I have given orders to the Militia at large to hold themselves

in Readiness to march on a Moment's warning to meet the Enemy. I am your Most Obed't Serv't,

Geo. Clinton, B. Gen.

You'l make Weekly Returns to me on every Thursday which you can send by one of your Light Horse.

To Colo. Heathorne.

[No. 463]

Quartermaster Taylor Reports Having Captured a Suspect. New Burgh 26th April 1777.

D'r Genl.

Haveing some busness at this place, was on the Dock when Mr. Boyd arrived, who delivered me a Packet for the Honorable Perrie Van Cortlandt which I forwarded with Samuel Falls Immediately. I herewith send you a certain Silas Gardner who made his appearanc at this place publickly, and being represented to me as a very bad Man, think it proper to send him to you notwithstanding he produced a certificate of his haveing taken the oath of alleigance to the State. My reasons for this conduct is, I think the Commissioners had no right to administer such oath to Persons in his situation, unless they mean to counteract the late Resolve of the Honorable Convention of this State. I am informed (and indeed the Prisoner confess'd it in the presence of sundry reputable wittnesses) that he, Mr. Gardner, some considerable time ago went off to the Enemey; about three weeks ago he returned, to his place of residence, staid there some time, then went off, and was returning to the Enemey, but was stop't by our Gaurds at or near Hackensack Bridge, from thence was conveyed to Goshen, from thence to Poughkeepsie, where the aforesaid oath was administered to him. Dear Gen

A

eral, if I am mistaken in this matter, believe me I am actuated by no other principle than the wellfare of my Country.

I am Sir your most obed't Hum'e serv't,

(On outside)

And'w Taylor, Asst. Q.

D'r Sir, while this Letter was signing the Prisoner attempted

to make his escape.

A. T. Asst. Q. G.

Pray sir call on me for proof ag't the Prisoner.

For The Honorable George Clinton, Brig'dr Gen, Fort Montgomery.

4

W

[No. 464.]

1777 (?)-Mrs. Montgomery Requests General Clinton

for an Order Relative to Articles that were Seized at PeekskillGeorge Clinton's Answer.

Mrs. Montgomery presents her Compliments to Gov'r Clinton and will take it as a favor if he will give her servant some kind

of order, to receive her's and her sisters parcel, that came with

Mr. Hakes things which was seized at Peekskills.

Rinebeek Monday night.

(Note on MSS. The stores &c. at Peekskill were seized or destroyed by the British, 31st March, 1777.)

Madam,

I have received your Letter inclosing one to Colo. Burr which shall be forwarded by the first Opportunity. A few Days ago I was informed some Medicines and other Articles were landed at Peek's Kill from on Board of a Vessel from New York, said to be a Flag seized by Justice Ferris of that Place of which however I have not as yet received any Regular Return. It is not to be presumed that these are Mr. Hakes as his Good were sent back by the Flagg which brought them up. Mr. Ferris is directed to transmit an Inventory of the Goods he has saved to me & if your

Bundle is among them will see that you have Notice of it but as the same is not made by me I cannot give any order respecting any of the articles. I am, Madam, with great Respect, Your Most Obed't Serv't.

[To Mrs. Montgomery]

[No. 465.]

[G. C.]

TORIES KIDNAPPING PATRIOTS.

Colonel Cooper Reports to General Clinton that His Force is

Sir,

Inadequate.

Inclosed you have a return of the men under my command, by which you will observe that I have but 259 including Sergeants & Corporals, and some of these without arms. Of this 259, 96 are posted at Niack under Capt'ns Underdunk, Bartolf and Gardiner so that I have here but 163. This is so short of the force you intended and so inadiquate to defend the pass against the force mentioned by the Genl. that I humbly suggest an immediate augmentation, more specially as Coll. Dey will be most likely to join Genl. Herd with the small force he will be able to collect, which I am told will chiefly consist of the inhabitants near Pompton. you are acquainted with the situation of the two posts & know how difficult it will be to cooperate on a sudden attack, which may cut off the communication.

I will write Genl. Herd an account of my force & orders, and you may depend I will do every thing in my power with the men I have.

Mr. Fell was taken and carried from his house last Wednesday night by a small party, supposed to be aided by his tory neighbours. And a party of the new levies under Coll. Barton, Leut't Coll. Drummond & Major Timpany, said to consist of about two