loss was so inconsiderable in numbers, though I regret much the captivity of General Thompson

I have written Congress about carpenters on General Arnold’s letter, and, having none to spare from hence, have pointed out the necessity of their sending some from Philadelphia; if not there, withdrawing, for the present, those employed up the North River, deeming it a matter of infinite importance to have a considerable number of gondolas on the Lakes, to prevent the enemy from passing.

I have directed the Quartermaster-General to procure and forward you the anchors and cables, mill-saws and files, if to be had. I have also requested Colonel Knox to examine whether some more field-pieces cannot be sent up; and I design to order a further quantity of powder to be forwarded you, to answer two purposes—one, that you may have proper supplies for the several posts and every contingency, the other, because I do not wish to keep a larger stock here than may be necessary, lest any unfortunate event should cast up, and we be deprived of more than we are yet able to lose.

I would have you make ready everything necessary for taking post at Fort Stanwix, and, when you are prepared, to use your utmost industry for erecting and completing the work. Our most vigorous exertions will be required in every instance. I am convinced our enemies will strain their every nerve against us this campaign, and try to injure us wherever we may be unprovided.

It will be extremely proper to forward on the Militia for reinforcing the several garrisons on the communication, and securing the different passes. I wish they were not so slow in repairing to the places of rendezvous; but I would fain apprehend they will be in time to prevent any attempts our enemies may have in view.

I am extremely sorry for your indisposition, and that you should be so harassed by the ague and fever; and wishing you a perfect recovery from it, and a speedy one, 1 am, dear sir, your most obedient servant,

GEORGE WASHINGTON.

To Major-General Schuyler, Northern Department.

P. S. Congress, by a letter I received from the President last night, have resolved upon four thousand men more to augment the Army in the Northern Department, and recommended the Colony of New-Hampshire immediately to send one regiment of Militia, Massachusetts two, and Connecticut one. They have also resolved on a bounty of ten dollars for every soldier who will inlist for three years, and requested the several Governments who are to furnish Militia to do it with all possible expedition.

Our armed vessels at the eastward have taken some valuable prizes, and also three more transports safely brought in, with about three hundred and twenty or thirty Highland troops well accoutred. Captain Biddle, one of Commodore Hopkins’s fleet, took two also, with about one hundred and fifty more. He put all the prisoners on board one of the prizes—we fear she is retaken; the arms he took into his own vessel. The other prize was retaken, and again taken by another of our vessels.

Yesterday I received a letter from Lieutenant Davison, of the Schuyler armed sloop, advising that he, with another of our cruisers, had retaken four prizes which had been taken by the Greyhound man-of-war. The persons on board the prizes informed the Lieutenant that General Howe was on board the Greyhound, and sailed from Halifax the 9th instant, with one hundred and thirty-two transports; that they saw a vessel, the evening before, standing towards the Hook, which they imagined was the Greyhound. There is reason to conclude he is now there.

The Militia ordered for the defence of this place come in slowly: not more than a thousand have yet arrived. Our force by no means so strong as it should be.

It is said, and I believe with authority, that twenty tons of powder and two thousand pounds sterling worth of goods, have got into Providence.

I am, dear sir, your most obedient servant,

GEORGE WASHINGTON.

GENERAL WASHINGTON TO MASSACHUSETTS ASSEMBLY.

New-York, June 28, 1776.

GENTLEMEN: By certain advices just received, I am informed that a fleet, consisting of one hundred and thirty sail, left Halifax the 9th instant, bound for this place, and am well assured that General Howe is already arrived at the Hook in the Greyhound. I do. therefore, in the most pressing manner, request that you would not lose a moment’s time in sending forward the Militia of your Province, as the enemy will undoubtedly attack us in our weak state as soon as a sufficient force arrives to enable them to attempt it with the least probability of success. And although I cannot expect, by reason of the distance, that your quota of troops will reach this so seasonably as to afford us assistance upon the first attack of the enemy, yet I promise myself it will not occasion any delay in their march. Relying on your using all possible despatch in this business, I remain, with much respect, gentlemen, your very humble servant,

GEORGE WASHINGTON.

To the Honourable Provincial Convention of Massachusetts-Bay.*

GENERAL WASHINGTON TO GOVERNOUR TRUMBULL.

New-York, June 28, 1776.

SIR: By certain advices just received, I am informed that a fleet, consisting of one hundred and thirty sail left Halifax the 9th instant, bound for this place; and am well assured that General Howe is already arrived at the Hook, in the Greyhound. I do, therefore, in the most pressing manner, request that you would not lose a moment’s time in sending forward the Militia of your Province, as the enemy will undoubtedly attack us in our weak state as soon as a sufficient force arrives to enable them to attempt it with the least probability of success, and our safety, in a great measure, depends on the seasonable arrival of the Militia from the several Colonies who are to furnish them. Relying on your using all possible despatch in this business, I remain, with much respect and esteem, sir, your very humble servant,

GEORGE WASHINGTON.

To the Hon. Jonathan Trumbull, Esq., Governour of Connecticut.

(A similar letter to the above was forwarded by the same express to Brigadier-General Wadsworth, at Durham.)

COLONEL REED TO NEW-JERSEY CONVENTION.

Head-Quarters, New-York, June 28, 1776.

SIR: At the request of General Washington I enclose you a copy of a letter received this morning, from which, and other advices, there is no doubt General Howe is arrived at the Hook, with a very large force. It would be too dangerous a secret to trust to a letter to mention how inadequate our Army is to encounter it. Let it suffice to say that, unless the most speedy and effectual measures are taken to throw a body of men, well-armed, into this city, the most fatal consequences are to be apprehended. I am, therefore, to enjoin the honourable body over whom you preside to exert their utmost efforts at this critical juncture, when, in all human probability, the fate of our country, our lives, liberties, and property, depend upon the spirit and activity that will be shown in a very short time.

Agreeable to your resolve, empowering the General to call in the Militia, he has written General Livingston for that purpose, unless it appears clearly to him that troops, under the new establishment, and those well-armed, can be sooner procured.

It is a most melancholy truth that of our little Array at least two thousand are wholly destitute of arms, and near as many with arms in such condition as to be rather calculated to discourage than animate the user.

No further arguments can be necessary to gentlemen of discernment and lovers of their country, and such have appeared to direct the publick affairs of New-Jersey during this tempestuous scene; depending, therefore, on your utmost

* July 2, 1776—The Committee of both Houses, to whom was committed the above letter, have attended that service, and beg leave to report, that letters be written immediately, according to the form herewith reported, to the several Committees appointed to expedite the raising of the men destined for New-York, desiring them to forward their march with all possible expedition; that an answer be also written to General Washington, informing him of the measures the Court have taken to raise the men and forward their march to New-York; and that these letters be sent by express, and signed by the President of the Council.

All which is humbly submitted.