The sentries in Fort George and on the Battery are to keep a sharp look-out towards the Narrows, Staten-Island, Red-Hook, &c, to observe if any signals are given from thence, and acquaint the officer of the guard immediately therewith. The officers and men are strictly enjoined to keep close to their quarters; no excuse will be admitted from either for a neglect of it; and the rolls are frequently to be called over.

General Return of the Army of the United Colonies, commanded by His Excellency George Washington, Esq., General and Commander-in-Chief; Head-Quarters at New-York, May 19, 1776.

EDWARD FLEMING, Deputy Adjutant-General.

Two Cadets exclusive of the above.

EDWARD FLEMING, Dep. Adjt. General.

COLONEL JAMES CLINTON TO GENERAL WASHINGTON.

Fort Constitution, May 20, 1776.

MAY IT PLEASE YOUR EXCELLENCY: I have, according to your directions, sought for an armourer and found one, who I have sent down to buy some tools, if it meets with your Excellency’s approbation. He asks, if he finds his own tools, ten shillings per day; and for an apprentice lad that works with him, four shillings per day. We have also in this garrison four men in one of the companies of my regiment, who work at the same trade, and wish to be employed, as Colonel Livingston tells me, whom I must beg leave to refer your Excellency to for particulars relative to them, or anything else that I may happen to forget.

The Commissioners 1 have had together and discharged, except two, who I could wish to keep with me until we are furnished with an engineer. We are much cramped for room in quarters, for which reason I should think it necessary, if the Militia are sent here, to have a supply of tents for my regiment, if more cannot be spared.

I enclose a general return of both garrisons, a billeting-roll of two companies of my regiment, a pay-roll of five companies of the same, a return of ordnance, &c., and ordnance stores at both forts, and a return of the artificers and others employed at both forts, by the Commissioners, and the wages allowed them. The most of them, if not all, are necessary in their places.

I am your Excellency’s most obedient humble servant,

James Clinton, Colonel.

To General Washington.

WHITEHEAD HICKS TO JOHN MCKESSON.

Jamaica, (Long-Island,) May 20, 1776.

SIR: Since the 1st instant, I have moved up here with my family; since which, I find the Provincial Congress or Committee of Safety have passed an order for all persons, between sixteen and fifty years of age, to return to the city, and none to be absent more than twenty-four hours without leave from their Colonel. As by the rules and orders of the Congress regulating the Militia, Judges of the Supreme Court and Clerks of Courts (of which I am both a Judge and a Clerk) are excused from military duty, I think that order does not extend to include me, as it is plain, by its confining it to persons between sixteen and fifty years old, it meant only such as were liable to military duty. However, to prevent any disputes upon that head, I should be obliged to you if you would have it explained, and write to me by the bearer.

I am, sir, your humble servant,

WHTEHEAD HICKS

To John McKesson, Esq., New-York.

PETRUS SCHOONMAKER TO NEW-YORK CONGRESS.

Rochester, Ulster County, May 31, 1776.

GENTLEMEN: As your honourable Board has been pleased to appoint me Captain of the First Company of Militia of the Township of Rochester, in said County, in the regiment whereof Levi Pawling is Colonel; and by a resolve of your honourable Board, the Committee of the County is appointed to arrange the companies of every regiment in the County;