GENERAL WASHINGTON TO ROBERT YATES AND OTHERS.

Head-Qauarters, July 15, 1776.

GENTLEMEN: In answer to your favour of yesterday, I beg leave to acquaint you, that I have consulted with such of the General Officers as could be easily convened, with respect to the prisoners confined in the Jail of this city. We are all of opinion, that to enlarge them, or permit their continuance here, is equally dangerous. No other course, therefore, remains than to send them to some place where they can be safely kept, can have no influence, and, consequently, do us no injury. If such a place could be conveniently found in the Province, it would be most proper; but if not, we are of opinion they should be sent to some other, and that without any delay. To obviate any difficulty which may arise from the authority of one Province sending its prisoners to another, I will most cheerfully cooperate with you, so as to give the measure the weight it may derive from my general command. The place which, in this case, has been proposed, is Farmington, in Connecticut.

The multiplicity of other engagements obliges me to solicit your attention and care to these matters, which are rather of civil than military concern; and I would particularly request you to consult and determine upon some method to remove persons out of town, whose conduct, connexions, and office, afford the strongest presumption of their remaining here with dangerous and unfriendly views to the American cause. An indiscriminate order to remove all who do not belong to the Army, or are connected with it, or have not taken up arms to defend the city, would probably involve many innocent and inoffensive persons in difficulty. On the other hand, to leave the city open to spies and emissaries from the enemy, and facilitate their intelligence, is totally inconsistent with common prudence. I must, therefore, beg your advice and assistance in this delicate and difficult circumstance, that while time and opportunity will admit some effectual measure may be taken to provide against so alarming a danger.

I am, gentlemen, with great truth and regard, your most obedient and humble servant,

GO. WASHINGTON.

To the Hon. Robert Yates and others, the Committee of the Convention of Representatives of the State of New-York.

GENERAL WASHINGTON TO GENERAL SCHUYLER.

Head-Quarters, New-York, July 15, 1776.

DEAR SIR: The enclosed resolve and extract of a letter, you will see, are of some standing. Upon considering the matter, I do not see how it is possible for me to carry the resolve into execution, with tolerable precision or certainty. The persons, the witnesses, and all other circumstances, are so totally unknown, that any inquiry made by me must prove delusive and unsatisfactory. I am therefore under the necessity of passing it wholly by, or putting it under your direction, that as time and circumstances will admit, you will have it executed in the best manner you can, to answer the wishes and expectations of Congress.

Colonel Nicolson, of a regiment raised in this Province, requests that his conduct may be inquired into. I suppose he would be included in the above general inquiry, but as that may be long delayed, and perhaps never fully had, I could wish his case might be distinguished from the general mass. I expected to receive from the Commissioners of Congress who went to Canada some vouchers and proofs respecting him, as his conduct did not appear to them in the most favourable view; but none have yet come to hand. Lieutenant-Colonel Vister is, I understand, a material witness against Colonel Nicolson, and will direct to such others as are expected to support the charge against him.

I am very sensible the general inquiry requested by Congress must be a work of difficulty and delicacy; but as they seem to desire it very earnestly, I hope it is not impracticable. I should, hope, upon a conference with Generals Gates and Arnold, some plan may be devised to comply with it. I am persuaded you will leave nothing unattempted on your part for this purpose.

GO. WASHINGTON.

To General Schuyler.

GENERAL WASHINGTON TO GOVERNOUR TRUMBULL.

Head-Quarters, New-York, July 15, 1776.

DEAR SIR: Since my last, two of the enemy's ships—one of forty, the other of twenty guns—taking advantage of a strong wind and tide, passed us, notwithstanding a warm fire from all the batteries. They now lie in Taupan Sea, between twenty and thirty miles up Hudson's River, where no batteries from the shore can molest them. Their views, no doubt, are to cut off a communication between this and Albany by water, which they effectually will do. If the gondolas, row-galleys, &c., from Connecticut and Providence were here, I should think of making the enemy's station uncomfortable, if possible. I must request they may be sent on as soon as they conveniently can be. I have written Governour Cooke, requesting the same of him. It is but reasonable to suppose these ships have a number of small-arms on board, which are intended to be put into the hands of the disaffected on the North River and in the back parts of this Province, when a favourable opportunity may offer for their making use of them against us. I am sorry to say their numbers, by the best information I can get, are great. Enclosed is a letter I wrote the 11th instant, which, through mistake, was neglected by the Thursday's post. We have one large row-galley nearly completed, and another which may be ready by the time those arrive from your Honour and Governour Cooke. The whole, when collected, will be sufficient to attack the two ships up the river, as the channel they now occupy is narrow, which will prevent them from working their guns to advantage.

I am, with esteem, your most obedient, humble servant,

GO. WASHINGTON.

To the Hon. Governour Trumbull.

[A similar letter written Governour Cooke, of the same date.]

GENERAL WASHINGTON TO GENERAL SCHUYLER.

New-York, July 15, 1776.

DEAR SIR: Enclosed you will receive a letter from Congress, which came to hand this morning, with a copy of some resolves, to which you will pay your attention, as their execution will be under your direction.

I have also enclosed a letter for General Burgoyne, which I request you to seal and forward to him as soon as you have perused the important and necessary resolves (of July 10) it contains. The spirited measures Congress have entered into, I am hopeful, will make the British troops more regardful of that faith which ought to be preserved inviolate between nations, and that the rights of humanity may not be infracted in future.

Admiral Howe arrived on Friday last, and we hourly expect his fleet. The same day, just before he came in, two ships-of-war, one of forty and the other of twenty guns, and three tenders, passed our batteries without any certain damage that I could perceive, though an incessant fire was kept up. They availed themselves of a brisk and favourable wind and tide. Our last intelligence is, that they are at Taupan Bay. You may readily conjecture a variety of bad purposes intended by this manœuvre.

I am, dear sir, yours, &c.,

GO. WASHINGTON.

To General Schuyler.

P. S. I wrote to Fort Constitution, and directed that intelligence should be forwarded respecting the ships passing by us to Albany, that precautions might be used to prevent vessels falling into their hands. You will give further directions in this matter.

GENERAL WASHINGTON TO GENERAL HOWE.

New-York, July 15, 1776.

SIR: I have it in charge from Congress to transmit the enclosed resolution to you. And have the honour to be, sir, your most obedient servant,

GO. WASHINGTON.

To Lieutenant-General Howe.

[To General Burgoyne the same, enclosed in a Letter to General Schuyler this day.]

EXTRACT OF A LETTER FROM COLONEL JOSEPH REED TO CHARLES PETTIT, DATED NEW-YORK, JULY 15, 1776.

After writing the above, a flag came in from Lord Howe. The General Officers advised the General not to receive any