[Extract]
Sir When I had the honor to address you on the 30th Ulto, I transmitted a Copy of a Letter I had received from a Gentleman, a member of the Honble Genl Court [of Massachusetts], suggesting the improbability of Succours coming from thence in any reasonable time either for the defence of this place, or to reinforce our Troops engaged in the Canada expedition. I am sorry to Inform you, that from a variety of Intelligence his apprehensions appear to be just, & to be fully confirmed. Nor have I reason to expect but that the supplies from the other two Governmts, Connecticut and New Hampshire will be extremely slow and greatly deficient in number. As It now seems beyond question and clear to demon[st]ration, that the Enemy mean to direct their Operations and bend their most vigorous efforts against this Colony, and will attempt to unite their Two armies, that under Genl Burgoyne, and the one arrived here, I cannot but think the Expedient proposed by that Gentln is exceedingly just, and that the Continental Regiments now in the Massachusetts Bay should be immediately called from thence, and be employed where there is the strongest reason to believe their aid will be indispensably necessary. The expediency of the measure I shallsubmit to the consideration of Congress, and will only observe as my Opinion, that there is not the most distant prospect of an attempt being made where they now are by the Enemy, and If there should, that the Militia that can be assembled upon the shortest notice will be more than equal to repel It. they are well armed, resolute and determined, and will Instantly oppose any Invasion that may be made in their own Colony.
I shall also take the liberty again to request Congress to Interest themselves in having the Militia raised and forwarded with all possible expedition as fast as any considerable number of 'em can be collected, that are to compose the Flying Camp. This I mentioned in my Letter yesterday, but think proper to repeat It, being more & more convinced of the necessity. The Camp will be in the Neighbourhood of Amboy and I shall be glad that the Conventions or Committees of Safety of those Governments from whence they come, may be Requested to give me previous notice of their marching, that I may form some plan and direct provisions to be made for their reception. The disaffection of the people at that place and others not far distant, is exceedingly great, and unless It is checked and overawed, It may become more general and be very alarming. The arrival of the Enemy will encourage It. They, or at least a part of them are already landed on Staten Island which is quite contiguous, & about Four Thou sand were marching about It Yesterday as I have been advised, and are leaving no Acts unessayed to gain the Inhabitants to their side, who seem but too favourably disposed. It is not unlikely that in a little time they may attempt to cross to the Jersey side and Induce many to Join 'em either from motives of Interest or fear, unless there is a force to oppose 'em.
I this Moment received a Letter from Genl Greene an Extract of which I have inclosed. The Intelligence It contains is of the most Important nature and evinces the necessity of the most spirited and vigorous exertions on our part ー The expectation of the fleet under Admiral Howe is certainly the reason the Army already come, has not begun their hostile Operations ー When that arrives we may look for the most Interesting events & such as in all probability will have considerable weight in the present contest. It behoves us to be prepared in the best manner, and I submit Itagain to Congress, whether the Accounts given by these prisoners do not shew the propriety of calling the Several Continental Regiments from the Massachusetts Government, raising the flying Camp with all possible dispatch and Engaging the Eastern Indians.