GENERAL WASHINGTON TO NEW-YORK CONVENTION.

Head-Quarters, July 14, 1776.

GENTLEMEN: The passage of the enemy up North River is a point big with many consequences to the publick interest: one particularly occurs to me well deserving your attention, and to prevent which I shall gladly give every assistance in my power, consistent with the safety of the Army. I am informed there are several passes on each side of the river, upon which the communication with Albany depends, of so commanding a nature that an inconsiderable body of men may defend them against the largest numbers. It may be that on board these ships there may be troops for this purpose, who, expecting to be joined by the disaffected in that quarter, or confiding in their own strength, may endeavour to seize those defiles, in which case the intercourse between, the two Armies, both by land and water, will be wholly cut off, than which a greater misfortune could hardly befall the service and Army. I must entreat you to take the measure into consideration, and, if possible, provide against an evil so much to be apprehended. I should hope the Militia of those Counties might be used on such an emergency, until further provision was made.

I have also thought it very probable those ships may have carried up arms and ammunition, to be dealt out to those who may favour their cause, and cooperate with them at a prefixed time. I would, to guard against this, submit to your consideration the propriety of writing to the leading men on our side in those Counties, to be very vigilant in ob-serving any movements of this kind, in order that so dangerous a scheme may be nipped in the bud; and for that purpose, to keep the utmost attention to the conduct of the principal Tories in those parts—any attempts of intercourse with the ships, and all other circumstances which may lead to a discovery of their schemes and the destruction of their measures.

I am, gentlemen, &c.,

GO. WASHINGTON.

To the Convention of the State of New-York.

GENERAL WASHINGTON TO COMMANDING OFFICER OF THE PENNSYLVANIA TROOPS.

Head-Quarters, New-York, July 14, 1776.

SIR: From sundry accounts received of the troops you command, I have reason to believe they will halt at Trenton, and there wait further order?. As I do not see any advantage which can arise from your continuance there, and the honourable Continental Congress has committed the disposition of them to me until the Flying-Camp is formed, you will, on receipt of this, proceed lo Amboy, in New-Jersey, where General Mercer is appointed to command, and there, putting yourself under his direction, receive and obey such orders as he may give.

I am, sir, your most humble servant,

GO. WASHINGTON.

To the Commanding Officer of the Pennsylvania Troops, at Trenton, (or elsewhere,) New-Jersey.

COLONEL RITZEMA TO GENERAL WASHINGTON.

New-York, July 14, 1776.

MAY IT PLEASE TOUR EXCELLENCY: Conscious in my own mind that I never have said or done anything wittingly which had a tendency to disparage the Continental troops or service, much less to speak contumeliously of any of the General Officers, and, above all, of the American cause—a cause which I have as much at heart as any man in America, and in which I have frequently ventured my life the last campaign, and was the first: man in the Province of New-York who ever took up arms in defence of it, a cause for which I am still willing to lay down my life,—it therefore grieves me sorely that my integrity should be called in question, and that secret enemies should endeavour to blast my character in your Excellency's estimation. Finding that I have many of these, and I hat words which I may have unguardedly uttered have been construed to the worst of purposes, I humbly crave, to avoid further persecution, your Excellency's leave to resign my commission, and to retire to my good and aged father in the country, not doubting but in a little time your Excellency and the world will be convinced that I am not the man I am by some represented to be.

I am, may it please your Excellency, your Excellency's very humble servant,

RUDOLPHUS RITZEMA.

GENERAL WASHINGTON TO COLONEL RITZEMA.

Head-Quarters, July 14, 1776.

SIR: At a period so critical as the present, when our unnatural enemies are in full view, and hourly expected to strike a blow which may be supposed in a great measure to decide the fate of America, I must confess I am not a little surprised to find an officer of your rank in the Army soliciting leave to resign his commission, more especially considering the predicament you are now in. I should rather hope that, as you are so conscious of your innocence, you would urge an inquiry into your conduct, to convince the world that the complaints exhibited against you are totally ground-less and that the malice of your worst enemies cannot do the least injury to your reputation, which, to a soldier, ought ever to be dearer than life.

I don't know how far I can, with propriety, countermand the order for the Court of Inquiry, as it is already given out in General Orders; however, I will think of it, and give you my answer to-morrow.

I am, sir, your most humble servant,

GO. WASHINGTON.

To Colonel Rudolphus Ritzema.

GOUVERNEUR MORRIS TO GENERAL WASHINGTON.

In Committee of the Convention of Representatives of the

State of New-York, at the City-Hall of the City of

New-York, July 14, 1776.

SIR: I am directed by the Committee to inform your Excellency that a great number of the persons now confined in our jail are from Queen's County, on Long-Island, and, from all appearances, we are confident that they are in sentiment inimical to that glorious cause in which, with your Excellency, we have the honour to be engaged. We have it in our power to confine them close prisoners, or take security for their future conduct. The inconvenience of crowding the jails throughout the County with people of this character, if they can safely be permitted to continue at their usual places of residence, is striking, as it must fill their minds with the sourness of opposition, and at the same time, by rousing and enraging all their connexions, and giving a just alarm to every person suspected of holding similar principles, raise up numerous enemies actuated by revenge and despair. If, on the other hand, security is taken for their peaceable demeanour, at the same time binding them to continue at their usual places of abode, the dangers I have just suggested to your Excellency will indeed be removed; but another cause of serious apprehension will still remain, and we shall risk much from their correspondence with the enemy, while perhaps it may be difficult to prevent them from knowing the measures which may be taken by your Excellency for the publick service. In this disagreeable dilemma, we find ourselves under the necessity of asking advice, sir, from you, and such persons in your council as you may think proper to consult, it being our wish that our conduct should conform to the sentiments of those who are intrusted with the important concerns of the United States.

We have seriously pondered on the business your Excellency recommended to our attention, by the letter we were yesterday honoured with; and while we are alarmed at the dangers impending upon a neglect of what your Excellency hath pointed out to us, we feel ourselves much at a loss for measures which will be effectual. We shall suggest to your Excellency the propriety of removing from this Island every person, except the soldiery, who shall not have a permission from the Committee of this County to continue thereon; and after that period, a small degree of caution may prevent vagrants or spies from obtaining intelligence. But upon this and every other plan which may be proposed, we should be glad to have an opportunity of consulting with your Excellency, being extremely anxious for the adoption of the most speedy and efficacious measures to promote the publick service.

I have the honour to be, with the greatest respect, your Excellency's most obedient and most humble servant,

GOUV. MORRIS.

To His Excellency General Washington.