cation with an Extensive back Country But we shall need heavy Artillery; I think some Pieces might be spared from each of the Forts in the Highlands & there are some heavy Pieces at Peeks Kill which I believe are of no Use there. These, shoud your Excellency think proper to order here, will nearly answer the Purpose & even tho the Enemy shoud be able to pass our Obstructions at this Place; were the Artillery mounted on Travelling Carriages we coud at any Rate save them, a few which will be necessary to place on an Island in the River excepted. This will not be the Case if left where they now are shoud that Event take Place.

I have found greater difficulty in discovering fit Persons as Officers for the four Companies your Excellency directed than I expected. Many of the young Gentlemen whom I had in View were already appointed in the service without my knowledge, others whom I thought well quallified decline; Nor upon strictly canvassing of Charecters do I find as many Quallified for Military Imployment as I at first I expected. However I hope in a few Days to accomplish this Business when Major Pawling will wait on your Excellency with a List of their Names & receive their Recruiting Orders. Some of them are already engaging men for the service. I am with the utmost Esteem your

Excellency's most Obed't Serv't,

[To Gen. George Washington]

Geo. Clinton.

Underneath is a List of Officers for one of the Companies. They are composed of spirited young Men who left Long Island on the Enemy's taking Possession of it & I flatter myself they will be able to draw some Recruits from there for which Reason I wish how soon they coud have their Recruiting Orders. I

have directed them to engage as many Men in the Mean Time

General Clinton Ignores Capt. Dorlon's Plea of Illness.

Dear Sir,

New Windsor 23d Feb'y 1777.

I was not a little surprised at receiving a Letter from Mr. [Hendrick] Wycoff said to be wrote by your Order in which he mentions your desire to decline serving as a Captain in the New Regiment of Infantry to be raised. On the Receipt of your former Letter I considered it as an Acceptance of my offer which I can assure you was made from no other motive than the good Opinion I have of you, and I have accordingly ordered the Arangement of the Officers of which I had the Appointment. I cant think that a fit of Sickness of which you may soon recover ought to discourage you from serving your Country. If you wish to be in the service it is a most favourable Opportunity & such as you may not readilly meet again. Many have applied for Appoint ments in this Regiment who have been refused but before I offer the Place reserved for you to any other I shall expect your further Answer founded on more Mature Deliberation which I begg you woud give as speedily as your Health will permit wishing you a sudden Restoration of Health & am in the Mean Time your

Most Obed't Serv't,

Geo. Clinton.

(To Capt. Jno. Dorlon)

I shall be very glad to see you at my House.

[No. 368.]

1777. Feb'y 8th.

19th.

20th

21st

Active Operations Between February 8 and 23, 1777.

Major Stockdon was taken prisoner with about 60 of his men (4 Killed) at a place Called Lawrence's Island, in Rariten River, by Coll. Nelsons of the Jersey Militia with a party of his men & only 2 of his men wounded.

A Leut. of the British artillery was wounded and taken Prisoner and is Now at Head Quarters & one Deserter of 55 Came out the same day.

men.

4 Waldeckers & 2 British privates brought in Prisoners. A Smart Skirmish at Quibble Town between the Forraging Our people beat back their Pickit guards Killed 8 or 9 men and Brought of 15 Loads of hay without the Loss of a Same night took a Lievt. of The Highlanders Prisoner also a Capt. & 9 Recruits of Cortlands Skinners Regiment, two Very Elegant and Valuable Horses, a Quantity of Irish Linnens, Hams, Eggs & Butter &c. going towards New York and a number of Horses of Inferiour Quality; also a Deserter of the 40 Regiments Came out who Informs that General How is Come over To Amboy and has given orders for the British armey to hold themselves In Readiness to march at the shortest noticethat a Serjent and Seven Privates of the Regulars in attemting to Disert were Catched and in Consiquence thereof, punished; 3 of them Died of the Wipping they Received; Same Day 25 prisoners (formerly taken) was sent From Morris Town to Penselvania. Authentic advise has been Receiv'd at Head Quarters that the famous (or Infamous) Pascal Paole, the Corsican Chief is now In Canada and has a Command in the British army. Cartain advise Has been Receiv'd that Docter Francklin was safe arrived in France.