New York, June 28, 1776.
[Extract]
I this moment received a Letter from Lieut. [Joseph] Davison of the Schuyler Armed Sloop, a copy of which I have inclosed and to which I begleave to refer you for the Intelligence communicated by him. I could wish General Howe and his Armament not to arrive yet, as not more than a 1000 Militia have yet come in, and our whole force, including the Troops at all the detached posts and on board the Armed Vessels, which are comprized in our returns, is but small and inconsiderable when compared to the extensive lines they are to defend and most probably the Army he brings. I have no further Intelligence about him than what the Lieut. mentions, but it is extremely probable that Accounts and conjectures are true. I have &ca.
P.S: I have inclosed you a General Return of the Army. The Accounts from the Lieutenant are certainly to be depended on, as some of the Prisoners in the retaken prizes were on board the Grey Hound and saw General Howe.
1. Fitzpatrick, ed., Writings of Washington, V, 190-94.