George Washington to George Clinton, in Dutchess County, July 13th, 1776.
From: The Writings of George Washington from the Original Manuscript Sources, 1745-1799. John C. Fitzpatrick, Editor.
Head Quarters, New York, July 12, 1776. 19
[Note 19: On July 12 Washington proposed to a council of war the question of a general attack on the enemy's quarters on Staten Island, but it was unanimously agreed that such a step was not advisable. "To alarm the Enemy and encourage our own Troops, who seem generally desirous something should be done," the Commander in Chief then proposed "That Major Knowlton who is stationed at Bergen and has reconnoitred the Island do confer with General Mercer thereon, and if they upon Consideration shall deem such a Surprise practicable and that the Retreat of the Men can be secured, the General be advised to prosecute it. That this Enterprise be accompanied with a Cannonade upon the fleet from Bergen Point if the Distance will admit." The council consisted of the Commander in Chief, Maj. Gen. Israel Putnam, and Brig. Gens. William Heath, Joseph Spencer, Nathanael Greene, Lord Stirling, John Morin Scott, James Wadsworth, and Nathaniel Heard. The proceedings of the council, in the writing of Joseph Reed, are in theWashington Papers. Lord Stirling's plan for attacking Staten Island, dated July, 1776, is in theWashington Papers.]
Sir: Two Ships of Force with their Tenders have sailed up Hudson's River. 20 I am apprehensive, that they design to seize the Passes in the Highlands by Land, which I am informed may be done by a small Body of Men. I must, therefore request you, instantly to desire General Ten Broeck, 21 to march down
[Note 20: ThePhoenix, of 40 guns, and the Rose, of 20, with three tenders, were sent up the Hudson to cut off supplies which came down the river to New York. They anchored in Tappan Bay. Clinton had already stationed regiments at Fort Constitution, Fort Montgomery, and Newburgh, and ordered a chain of craft to be ready to act as fireboats at the Narrows at Fort Constitution.]
[Note 21: Brig. Gen. Petrus Ten Broeck, of the New York Militia.] as great a Force as he can collect to secure them, particularly the Post where the Road runs over Anthony's Nose.
Send off an Express directly (if you please) to the West Parts of Connecticut, desiring them to collect all their Force at the same Point, since I have the highest Reason to believe, it will be absolutely necessary, if it was only to prevent an Insurrection of your own Tories. I am, etc.
P.S. A Return must be immediately made to me of the Number of Men you collect. 22
[Note 22: Precisely this same letter was sent to the Dutchess County, N.Y., Committee on July 13.]