D^r Sir

I am this Moment informed by a light Horseman from my Guard at New Wind­sor that twenty Sail of the Enemys Shipping, (two of them large Vessels)¹ are in the River below Butter Hill—There was a heavy fogg on the River in the morning when they were discovered, so that the Officer of the Guard cou'd not be particular as to the size of the Vessels, he thinks highly probable that more may be near at hand and might be seen were it not for the fogg.—Had it not been for this Movement of the Enemy, I intended this day or tomorrow to have drawn my few Troops from this Place towards the Rear of Fort Montgomerie but I must now desist and watch theire mo­tions; and should they land and march against me with any considerable force I shall be constrained with my present numbers to retreat before them, annoying them only if favourable Opportunities shall offer I was in Hopes ere now to have received the Reinforcements from the Northward which you mentioned; not a man of which are yet arrived. I wish Col^l Pawling² with his Regiment was with me. Since writing the above the Enemies Fleet consisting of 30 Sail³ have passed New Burg with crouded Sail and fair wind are moving quick up the River; the front of them are already at the Dance Caamer.⁴—There are eight large square rigged Vessels⁵ among them and all appear to have Troops on Board My Troops are parading to march for Kingston our Rout will be through Shawangunck to prevent Delay in Crossing the Paltz River.­—I leave Col^ol Woodhulls McClaughry's⁶ and part of Haasbrouck's⁷ Regiments as a guard along the River.—Halthorn⁸ is gone to the southward to guard a quantity of Arms towards head quarters when he returns he is to join this Guard—I have nei­ther time to copy or read this scroll: The substance must be communicated to Gen^l Gates. Let the Militia be drawn out ready to oppose the Enemy. I will be with you, if nothing happens, before Day; tho' my Troops cannot I am [&c.]

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