My Lord
Having received undoubted Intelligence of the fitting out of a Fleet from Boston, & of the embarkation of Troops from thence, which from the season of the year & other circumstances, must be destined for some expedition South of this; And having such Informn as I can rely on, that the Inhabitants of Long Island or a great part of them are inimical to the rights & liberties of America, & by their conduct & professions have discovered an Apparent inclination to Assist in Subjugating their Countrymen & fellow Citizens to the System of tyranny, Administration are attempting to establish, there is the greatest reason to apprehend, that this Armament, If not immediately designed against the City of New York, is nevertheless Intended for Long Island.
Knowing it to be of the last importance to the Interest of America, to prevent the Enemy from getting possession of these places, & the North river, which would give them the Command of the Country & a free communication with Canada, I have dispatched Major Genl [Charles] Lee with orders to repair to New York with such Volunteers as he can raise on his way (having no Troops to spare from hence) to put the City & the Fortifications up the river in the best posture of defence, the season & situation of Affairs will admit of & for taking proper steps agt such persons on Long Island & elsewhere whose conduct hath rendered them suspected of designs unfriendly to the views of Congress ー I have directed him to apply to you for the Troops of New Jersey under your Command in the Continen[ta]l pay or such of them as he may think necessary for effecting the purposes of his going ー I beg and am assured that you will afford him every assistance in your power, for facilitating this business, as far as may be consistent or not repugnant to the Orders you shall [have] received from Congress, and with all possible expedition. I am, My Lord [&c.]
To The Right Honbl The Earl of Stirling
