Enemy keep close to their Lines our Advanced Parties continue at their former station. We are daily throwing up Works to prevent the Enemy's advancing; great Attention is paid to Fort Washington, the Posts opposite to it on the Jersey Shore,* & the Obstructions in the River, which I have reason to believe is already effectual, so as to prevent their shipping passing; however it is intended still to add to them as it is of the utmost Consequence to keep the Enemy below us.

None of Smith's or Remsen's Regiment have yet joined me nor do I believe they intend; I have heard that many have gone over on the Island & continue there. I have not been able to get any late Acc'ts from thence, except that I have heard, believe, & hope Genl. Woodhull is not dead as reported.

We are getting a new supply of Connecticut Militia in here if they are not better than the last I wish they woud keep them at Home. I hope however they are, they look better. A Regiment or two lately arrived from Virginia. I can't recollect any Thing else worth mentioning. I am with much Respect your most

Obed't Serv't,

Geo. Clinton.

We shall want a Quantity of Oak Plank for Platforms & Square Timber; how can it be procured; I am sure our Q. M. Genl. if left to him, will fail in getting of it. The Gen'l desired me to inquire how it can be had.

Military Post Offices Established.

Sir,

Fishkills Sept'r 17th 1776.

The Convention have appointed us a Committee for establishing Posts between this Place and head quarters for obtaining

Fort Lee.

daily Intelligence from thence; and also for corresponding with you and such other Gentlemen as they may think proper.

Your Letter to the House has been considered, and the President will transmit you certain Resolves relative to the matters mentioned in it.

A Report prevails here that the King's Troops have landed on York Island, but with what Success is as yet unknown.

Be so kind Sir as to furnish us from time to time with all such Intelligence as you may think material & important.

Our Express is directed to wait upon you every Evening for your Commands.

We are Sir with the greatest respect

Your most humble servant,

Yesterday Saw youre Brothers, General Clinton & Doctor Tappen at This place, Both well; Mrs. Clinton, I hear'd from New Windsor yesterday, is much Better; Congratulate you On the Success of Oure Arms; the Last Tryal Oure Men had with the worst Of Enemys, & hope yet we Shall Live To See Oure Enemys Covered with Shame, while Oure Arms Are Crowned with Success, and we Not Only A brave but A free People, & Put an End To the Sly Sneers of Oure Tory Enemys at home. The Men of

My Company that wass Sick are Cheifely all fit for Duty againe, Major Thompson & Mr. Machin, Joines Me In Love To your Self, & all freinds, And am, S'r, In hast, Youre Sinceare freind,

George Clinton.

[No. 180.]

And Humble Serv't,

John Nicoll.

Sir,

Colonists Cheerful in Spite of Recent Disasters.

Fishkill Sept'r 19th 1776.

My Colleagues of the Committee of Correspondence & myself have this Evening been favored with yours of yesterday, which was immediately communicated to such members of Convention as were at Hand.

We rejoyce on the late success of our army, tho' much less fatal to our Enemies than common Fame had proclaimed; And are happy to hear that General Woodhull is living; measures will be pursued to effect his Exchange.

That any American Troops should have remained with the Enemy from Choice, is a disagreable Circumstance.

Nothing of Importance can be communicated from hence. A person who appears active, passed here in quest of Boards & Timber. Enquiries shall be made for plank & square Timber, and if any can be heard of, or procured, you shall have immediate notice. The Continuance of your Correspondence & Intelligence, as far as consistant with your Duty & Health, is earnestly requested. I am respectfully Sir your most obedient humble Servant,

Brigadier Genl. (George) Clinton.

Wm. Allison.

[No. 181.]

A Private and Domestic Epistle from John Du Bois.

Dear Sir,

Wilmington Sept'r 29d 1776.

You'll receive this by the hands of Mr. Jas. Walker, a brother in-law of mine; he is Aid-de-Camp to Brigadier Genl. Moore who he attends to New York. I take the liberty of Recommending him to you as a Gentleman worthy of your Notice. Any Civilities that you'll please to shew him shall esteem as a particular obligation.

Have been long very anxious to hear from you & it's long since I had the pleasure of Writing; pray don't impute it to Neglect or the want of Inclination, but rather the want of a convenient Opportunity; would have wrote by Mr. Hooper when he left this last, but being in the Country at the time, did not (know) of his going; hope the letter I wrote you by him the time before, reached y'r hands; was much Concerned to hear of y'r Indisposition by him; hope long ere now you have perfectly recovered.

I suppose the present Confused State of y'r province renders i out of y'r power to transact any business for me. Should it not be the Case, would be glad to hear by the bearer wether you (have) been able to do any thing for me since I heard from you last; have had a very sick family of late; my little boy lies just now very ill of a flux. Mrs. Dubois is well; she joins me in best compl's to Y'rSelf & Mrs. Clinton with sincere wishes for the health & happiness of you & yours.

I remain with great Esteem

Y'r much obliged & most Obed't hum'le Serv't,

Geo. Clinton Esqr.

John DuBois.

[No. 182.]

Dr. Tappen Writes of Late Events and Family News.

Dear Brother,

Fort Montgomery Sept'r 23d 1776.

We last night Received the joyfull news that the City of New York is Burnt; we likewise hear that there is a French Fleet at or near Sandy Hook, and it is supposed with us that this is the Cause why the Enemy Burnt the City; but wether this or any thing else be the caus, it appears that they where not able to hold it, and no doubt it will have a glorious Effect upon the tories, the worst Enemies. They where Exceedingly Rejoyced at the news of our army Evacuating the town, and Indeed our week Friends in the Country where much allarmed at our Leaving the City standing; we are anctious to hear from you, let us know the News when you Can Find time to write. I Received yours of the 17th instant. I have seen Mrs. Clinton a few Days ago she still has some little Pains in her neck and Right arm, but not very Bad. Brother Christopher has been very sick at your house; he has got some Better and is gone home; the Rest of our Friends are well.

General James Desires his Love to you; says he has Nothing to right. I Conclude By Remaining you Sincere & affac'e Brother, Peter Tappen.

(George Clinton, Esq.)

Dear Sir,

[No. 183.]

Family News from John McKesson.

Fishkill Sept'r 23d 1776.

Your favour of the 20th came duely to hand, & yesterday I waited on Mrs. Clinton & delivered it to her. She is afflicted with