Want to save this letter now that you've found it?
It's easy - just create your own collection of letters after signing up for a free account.
DEAR SIR,
I have seen the enemy. Those in view I calculate at about three thousand. There may be, and probably are, enough others out of sight. They have sent all their horse to the other side, except about fifty or sixty. Their baggage, it is agreed on all hands, has also been sent across, and their wounded. It is not ascertained that any of their infantry have passed to the other side. There are four or five hundred on the opposite point, but it is uncertain whether they are those who went from this side, or those who wore on Staten Island. I rather suppose the former.
Different conjectures may be made. The present movement may be calculated to draw us down, and betray us into an action. They may have desisted from their intention of passing till night, for fear of our falling upon their rear. I believe this is the case, for, as they have but few boats, it would certainly be a delicate manoeuvre to cross in our face.
We are taking measures to watch their motions to-night as closely as possible. An incessant, but very light skirmishing; very few boats, not more than enough to carry three or four hundred men at a time. It is likely more will come down this evening I have the honor to be
Your Excellency's most obedient servant,
More Resources
- Alexander Hamilton
- Source:
- Correspondence of the American Revolution; Being Letters of Eminent Men to George Washington, from the Time of His Taking Command of the Army to the End of His Presidency, Volume II., Jared Sparks, 1853
