A draft of a letter to the committees of East and South Hampton, in answer to theirs received on the afternoon of the 10th inst. was read and approved of, and is in the words following, that is to say:

In Convention of the Representatives
of the State of New-York,
White Plains, July 12th, 1776.

Gentlemen ー Taking into consideration your letter of the 5th inst. applying to us for directions relative to the preservation of the stock at Montauck. Since the date of your letter, you must have understood that Colo. [Henry] Livingston, the commander in that quarter, has applied to the county committee for their advice and assistance respecting the preservation of the stock, and making necessary defence in your quarter. We also understand from Messrs. [William] Dearing and [Ezra] L'hommedieu, that persons are appointed by the Commissary-General to lay up all the stock in those parts fit for use, and also, boats to be provided to remove the rest. in case of danger; viewing things in this light, we hope your fears are subsided. In case they are not from the measures already taken, we shall expect to hear from you, and shall not be wanting in supporting all the friends of the common cause of America. We are, &c.

To the Committees of East and South Hampton.

Mr. Sampson Duyckinck came from the city of New-York, and informed the Congress that three ships of war had passed the fort and battery at New-York, and sailed up Hudson's river; that they were fired upon from all the batteries along the banks of the river; that he believes they have already passed King's Bridge. Thereupon,

Ordered, That Mr. [John] Jay, Major [Ebenezer] Lockwood, Mr. Mills, Colo [Gilbert] Drake and Mr. [Paul] Schenk be a committee to take such measures on this occasion, as to calling out such parts of the militia, sending expresses to the forts in the Highlands, and all such other measures as they shall think necessary.