George Washington to the New York Provincial Congress, July 14^th, 1776.

The Writings of George Washington from the Original Manuscript Sources, 1745-1799. John C. Fitzpatrick, Editor.

Head Quarters, July 14, 1776.

Gentn.: The passage of the Enemy up the North River, is a point big with many Consequences to the Public Interest; one particularly occurs to me well deserving your attention, and to prevent which, I shall gladly give every assistance in my power, consistent with the Safety of the Army. I am informed, there are several passes on each side the River, upon which the Communication with Albany depends, of so commanding a Nature, that an inconsiderable Body of Men may defend them against the largest Numbers. It may be, that on Board these Ships there may be Troops for this purpose, who expecting to be joined by the disaffected in that Quarter, or Confiding in their own Strength, may endeavour to seize those defiles in which case the intercourse between the two Armies, both by land and Water, will be wholly cut off; than which a greater Misfortune could hardly befall the Service and Army, I must intreat you, to take the measure into Consideration and if possible provide against an Evil so much to be apprehended. I should hope the Militia of those Counties, might be used on such an Emergency until further provision was made; I have also thought it very probable, those Ships may have carried up Arms and Ammunition, to be dealt out to those who may favor their Cause and cooperate with them at a prefix'd time. I would, to guard against this submit to your Consideration, the propriety of writing to the leading Men on our Side in these Counties, to be very vigilant in observing any movements of this kind, in order that so dangerous a Scheme may be nipped in the Bud. For that purpose to keep the utmost attention to the Conduct of the principle Tories in those parts; any attempts of intercourse with the Ships and all other Circumstances which may lead to a discovery of their Schemes and the Destruction of their Measures. I am Gentn. &c.