slave to enter the service during the war; and upon his passing muster, he is absolutely made free, and entitled to all the wages, bounties and encouragements given by Congress to any soldier enlisting into their service.  The masters are allowed at the rate of L120, for the most valuable slave; and in proportion to those of less value.

     “The number of slaves in this state is not great; but it is
     generally thought that three hundred, and upwards, will be
     enlisted.

     “I am, with great respect, sir,

                    “Your Excellency’s most obedient, humble servant,
                                        “NICHOLAS COOKE.

     “TO GEN.  WASHINGTON."[553]

Where masters had slaves in the army, they were paid an annual interest on the appraised value of the slaves, out of the public treasury, until the end of the military service of such slaves.[554] If owners presented certificates from the committee appointed to appraise enlisted Negroes, they were paid in part or in full in “Continental loan-office certificates."[555]

The reader will remember, that it has been already shown that Negroes, both bond and free, were excluded from the militia of Massachusetts; and, furthermore, that both the Committee of Safety and the Provincial Congress had opposed the enlistment of Negroes.  The first move in the colony to secure legal enlistments and separate organizations of Colored troops was a communication to the General Assembly of Massachusetts, 3d of April, 1778.

     “To the Honorable Council, and House of Representatives,
     Boston, or at Roxbury.

“HONORED GENTLEMEN,—­At the opening of this campaign, our forces should be all ready, well equipped with arms and ammunition, with clothing sufficient to stand them through the campaign, their wages to be paid monthly, so as not to give the soldiery so much reason of complaint as it is the general cry from the soldiery amongst whom I am connected.

“We have accounts of large re-enforcements a-coming over this spring against us; and we are not so strong this spring, I think, as we were last.  Great numbers have deserted; numbers have died, besides what is sick, and incapable of duty, or bearing arms in the field.

“I think it is highly necessary that some new augmentation should be added to the army this summer,—­all the re-enforcements that can possibly be obtained.  For now is the time to exert ourselves or never; for, if the enemy can get no further hold this campaign than they now possess, we [have] no need to fear much from them hereafter.

“A re-enforcement can quick be raised of two or three hundred men.  Will your honors grant the liberty, and give me the command of the party?  And what I refer to is negroes.  We have divers of them in our service, mixed with white men.  But I think it would be