all cattle and sheep to a place of safety. The enemy are throwing up breastworks at every avenue to the Island, but do not appear otherwise very busy.

I have just been informed that the West-Jersey Militia are on their way to this place, and I shall forward them to New-York, unless I receive contre orders from your Excellency.

I have the honour to be, your Excellency's most humble servant,

WILLIAM LIVINGSTON.

To His Excellency General Washington.

MAJOR DUYCKINCK TO GENERAL LIVINGSTON.

Head-Quarters, Perth Amboy, July 5, 1776.

SIR: This day at eleven o'clock I arrived here, with the battalion under my command, save only the troops left at the Old and New Blazing-Star. The number with me is about four hundred and fifty men. As to the appearance of the enemy, I can at present give you but an imperfect account of their situation, but can plainly discover a number of men with wagons; also, some horsemen driving off cattle. It is here reported that they have been frequently seen parading under arms, and that they have intrenched a small distance above the ferry on the opposite side of the river. The number of the enemy appears to be about one thousand men, who have struck some tents in view. Shall be glad of your instructions from time to time.

I am, sir, in much haste, your humble servant,

JOHN DUYCKINCK.

P. S. Sundry persons of the enemy appear in the dress of the Train.

COLONEL REED TO NEW-YORK CONVENTION.

Head-Quarters, New-York, July 5, 1776.

GENTLEMEN: I am directed by the General to solicit the attention of your honourable body to the resolve of the Congress touching prisoners of war. By that resolve they are put wholly on the disposition of the Legislatures of the respective Colonies, who are authorized to appoint a Commissary to make provision for them, and they are to be taken to such place as shall be deemed the most secure.

There are now a number of prisoners in the jail, some of them of some rank. Their expenses run much higher than if in the country, and in our present situation extremely dangerous. His Excellency requests no time may be lost in removing not only those who have been taken prisoners of war, but those committed for practices against the State; and if some direction was taken with respect to the prisoners for debt, it would be proper, as there is too much reason to fear that in case of an attack, if the doors were not opened by the jailor, the whole would rise and force them open. Any assistance that may be wanted for this purpose, the General begs leave to tender. I have also in charge to mention to you the impropriety of suffering Burrows to continue in the care of the jail, as, from his connexions, his appointment, and other circumstances, there is the utmost reason to suspect him.

The distance to which the Congress has removed will make it very difficult to have their advice and assistance on occasions which frequently present. The General would suggest the propriety of their appointing a small Committee in the city, to regulate such matters of intimate concern as daily present themselves.

The great hurry and engagement of the General prevents his writing personally, but he begs his respectful compliments may be made to your honourable body.

I have the honour to be, gentlemen, your most obedient humble servant,

JOSEPH REED, Adjutant General

To the Convention of New-York.

JOSEPH TRUMBULL TO THE PRESIDENT OF CONGRESS.

New-York, July 1, 1776.

HONOURABLE SIR: I have drawn on you of this date for twenty thousand dollars, in favour of Azariah Dunham, Esq., of New-Brunswick, for the use of the gentlemen I have employed in New-Jersey to furnish the troops there with provisions, which I hope will be honoured with payment.

The enemy are lying very quiet at the Hook, yet we don't expect this calm will last long; a warm storm may soon be expected—where the severest part of it will fall, is yet uncertain. We are pretty well prepared, but for men. I hope Pennsylvania will soon furnish us some.

I am, most respectfully, honourable sir, your most humble servant,

JOSEPH TRUMBULL.

To the Hon. John Hancock, Esq., President of the Continental Congress, at Philadelphia.

JOSEPH TRUMBULL (COMMISSARY-GENERAL) TO GEN. GATES.

New-York, July 5, 1776.

I last night received a letter from Mr. Avery on the subject of his department, and several others from Albany; by which I find you are in a cursed situation—your authority at an end, and commanded by a person who will be willing to have you knocked in the head, as General Montgomery was, if he can have the money-chest, &c, in his power. I expect soon to see you and your suite back here again. I have shown Mr. Avery's letter, and one I received from Mr. Livingston at the same time, to General Washington. He is distressed with these matters. I told him I should order Mr. Avery and Mr. Jauncey back again immediately, as a deputy of mine, who could have no money from anybody but General Schuyler, could be of no use in that part of the world, and that I would not be answerable for consequences where my authority and the chief command were both disputed. He said I was right, and that he was writing to Congress on the matter of your command. I have therefore directed Mr. Avery to apply to you, for your leave of passport to return immediately, and I wish your favour therein.

General Howe is arrived here, with about the force he left Boston with—the fleet about one hundred and thirty sail, at anchor under Staten-Island, and the troops on that Island. There they will stay till reinforced, I expect. General Mifflin is gone to command at King's Bridge; the Militia come in very fast.

Wishing you health and happiness more than I think you at present enjoy, I am, my dear sir, your friend and humble servant,

JOSEPH TRUMBULL.

To General Gates.

P. S. If you judge it best to stop Mr. Avery till you hear from Congress, do as you please.

EBENEZER HAZARD TO GENERAL GATES.

New-York, July 5, 1776.

DEAR SIR: Being in the midst of hurry, I can write but little at present.

Since my last, the British fleet has arrived. About seventy sail are within the Narrows, at the watering-place, under Staten-Island shore. They have landed their men, and taken possession of Staten-Island, cattle, and Tories, and that I hope will be all they will do. Our people on the Jersey shore have severely punished a tender for her temerity in going up the Kills, but as she got on shore on Staten-Island, they could not take her. A captain and five men got into a boat, and went in quest of a boat which had drifted away. They came too near our shore; our riflemen ordered them ashore. They obeyed the summons, and are in salva custodia in this city.

It was last night reported at the coffee-house, (and I believe the report may be depended on,) that the Congress had determined on a Declaration of Independence, and that the vote was unanimous, except New-York, whose Delegates, not being instructed, could not vote.

Our new Convention meets next Monday, and I think will doubtless concur with the other Colonies. The Philadelphia post is not yet come in; but I will keep my letter unsealed, that if he brings anything, I may add it. Enclosed is a letter from Gordon. Please to tell Major Pierce I received the letter he wrote me from Albany, and have forwarded the enclosed, per post, which went a few hours after I received his.

The Philadelphia post is come in; am so hurried, I can't read my letters or the papers,

but send you a newspaper.

Adieu,

EBENEZER HAZARD.