[New York] Die Jovis, 9 HO. A.M. September 28, 1775.
Mr. Berrien applied to the Committee with sundry letters from the commissioners at the Highlands, by which it appears they want labourers.
Ordered, That Mr. John Berrien be authorized to procure fifty able-bodied men, good labourers, at wages not exceeding 50s per month each, besides their provisions, to proceed immediately to assist in erecting the fortifications on the banks of Hudson's river, in the Highlands; that he procure as many of them who have and will take arms with them as he conveniently can; that he order and direct at least twelve carriage guns to be mounted there immediately, and provided with shot, carriages, rammers, sponges and every other necessary for the use of the said guns. And
Ordered, That Mr. Gabriel W. Ludlow, deliver to Mr. John Berrien two hundred weight of gunpowder for the use of the people at the said fortifications.
Die Jovis, 4 P.M. Sept. 28th, 1775.
A letter from Samuel Bayard and others, dated 25th September, was read and filed, and is in the words following, to wit:
At Constitution Fort, Monday 25th Sept. 1775
Gentlemen ー We received last night a letter from Mr. [John] Berrien, informing us that the plan for building the fortification, with the estimation of the expenses, was transmitted to the Continental Congress. We should have esteemed ourselves happy had we been consulted on this subject before it had been sent forward. It was easy for one of our body to have waited upon the Committe of Safety, to have given them full satisfaction relative to the situation of the ground, which it is not possible for them to know by the plan. We conceive that an operation of this kind is intended for the. defence of the Colony and for the advantage of America in general. If we are right in our conjecture, Mr. [Bernard] Romans' plan is not sufficient ー it will only be a temporary expedient to prevent vessels going up the river, and should the fortification fall into the hands of the ministerial troops it will prove the ruin of the Province. Therefore it was not possible for him to give you any calculation relative to the whole expense, as it will be absolutely necessary to extend the works; and the place, we are convinced, may be made impregnable, and the expense not enormous. It appears to us that it would have been much better to have calculated the amount of what it would cost, than to be obliged hereafter to apply a second time to the Continental Congress. However, we submit our ideas to your judgment. It is our duty to be faithful to the important charge committed to our care, as we will not be answerable for measures we cannot conduct; therefore request the favour ー of you, gentlemen, to inform us whether we are under Mr. Roman's direction, or whether he is obliged to consult with us upon the measures to be pursued. You cannot blame us for this request, as the safety, honour and interest of our country, and its future welfare, depend upon this important post. We think it our duty to give you a hint which seems to merit your consideration, viz: Gov. Tryon, Mr. William Bayard and Major Bayard,2 have been up in our neighbourhood; his Excellency did not say any thing, but both the Bayards examined Capt. Palmer, our captain, with great scrutiny, in the presence of his Excellency, about the fortification, the nature of the ground, the state it was in, how many guns were mounted and how many men watched. This happened on Saturday, at Haverstraw. We shall keep a look out, for we expect them near to us. Will it not be prudent that we should have a guard. The minute men at New-Windsor want powder; they are ready to come to our assistance if they had it. ー We ought to have powder and shot for our guns as we shall mount six this week, ninepounders. We are, with respect, gentlemen, [&c.]
Saml Bayard. William Bedlow, John Hanson.