By inquiry, I have learned that General Patterson's brigade, which is the one you propose to send, is by far the weakest of the three now here, and does not consist of more than about six hundred rank and file fit for duty.
I have been endeavouring to collect the best idea I could of the state of things in New- York, in order the better to form a judgment of the probable reinforcement gone to General Howe.
Positively and unequivocally I declare, that no such nor similar order, nor any intimation nor hint resembling it, was ever by me received, or understood to have been given.
This is, to raise two, three, or four battalions of negroes, with the assistance of the government of that state, by contributions from the owners, in proportion to the number they possess.
Some time last fall, when I spoke to your excellency about going to the southward, I explained to you candidly my feelings with respect to military reputation, and how much it was my object to act a conspicuous part in some enterprise
Positively and unequivocally I declare, that no such nor similar order, nor any intimation nor hint resembling it, was ever by me received, or understood to have been given.
We have halted the troops at this place. The enemy, by our last reports, were four miles from this (that is, their rear), and had passed the road which turns off towards South Amboy, which determines their route towards Shrewsbury.
I arrived here yesterday, at noon, and waited upon General Gates immediately, on the business of my mission ; but was sorry to find his ideas did not correspond with yours for drawing off the number of troops you directed.
I am pained, beyond expression, to inform your Excellency that, on my arrival here, I find every thing has been neglected and deranged by General Putnam
Inclosed I transmit your Excellency a letter from Count D Estaing. He has had the river sounded, and finds he cannot enter. He will sail for Rhode Island to-morrow evening
I understand, from Colonel Morgan, that all the Northern army were marching down on both sides the river, and would probably be to-morrow at New Windsor
I arrived here yesterday, at noon, and waited upon General Gates immediately, on the business of my mission ; but was sorry to find his ideas did not correspond with yours for drawing off the number of troops you directed.
I am pained, beyond expression, to inform your Excellency that, on my arrival here, I find every thing has been neglected and deranged by General Putnam
The troops now remaining with General Putnam will amount to about the number you intended, though they are not exactly the same. He has detached Colonel Charles Webb's regiment to you.
I have been endeavouring to collect the best idea I could of the state of things in New- York, in order the better to form a judgment of the probable reinforcement gone to General Howe.
Agreeable to your request, and my promise, I sit down to give you my ideas of the defects of our present system, and the changes necessary to save us from ruin.
I understand, from Colonel Morgan, that all the Northern army were marching down on both sides the river, and would probably be to-morrow at New Windsor
The idea of not attempting to separate the army before the settlement of accounts, corresponds with my proposition. That of endeavouring to let them have some pay, has also appeared to me indispensable.
The state of our finances was perhaps never more critical. I am under injunctions, which will not permit me to disclose some facts that would at once demonstrate this position; but I think it probable you will be possessed of them through another cha
The idea of not attempting to separate the army before the settlement of accounts, corresponds with my proposition. That of endeavouring to let them have some pay, has also appeared to me indispensable.
I am pained, beyond expression, to inform your Excellency that, on my arrival here, I find every thing has been neglected and deranged by General Putnam
The troops now remaining with General Putnam will amount to about the number you intended, though they are not exactly the same. He has detached Colonel Charles Webb's regiment to you.
I cannot forbear confessing, that I am astonished and alarmed beyond measure, to find that all his Excellency's views have been hitherto frustrated, and that no single step of those I mentioned to you has been taken
The misfortune at Ticonderoga, has produced a very disagreeable alteration in our affairs, and has thrown a gloom upon the favourable prospect which the campaign previous to that event afforded.
I arrived here yesterday, at noon, and waited upon General Gates immediately, on the business of my mission ; but was sorry to find his ideas did not correspond with yours for drawing off the number of troops you directed.
The misfortune at Ticonderoga, has produced a very disagreeable alteration in our affairs, and has thrown a gloom upon the favourable prospect which the campaign previous to that event afforded.
This is, to raise two, three, or four battalions of negroes, with the assistance of the government of that state, by contributions from the owners, in proportion to the number they possess.
Inclosed I transmit your Excellency a letter from Count D Estaing. He has had the river sounded, and finds he cannot enter. He will sail for Rhode Island to-morrow evening
The enemy are still in the dark about their fleet and army gone that way, as we gather from the Commissioners. They pretend to have little European news, though a vessel arrived two or three days since from England
I am much obliged to your Excellency for the explicit manner in which you contradict the insinuations mentioned in my last letter. The only use I shall make of your answer, will he to put it into the hands of a few friends.
The idea of not attempting to separate the army before the settlement of accounts, corresponds with my proposition. That of endeavouring to let them have some pay, has also appeared to me indispensable.
