Head Quarters New York August 10th 1776.
[Extract]
Apprehensive that the Enemy, If they go up the North River, may attempt to go down the Creek in their Boats and destroy Kings bridge, His Excellency judges it Necessary, that you should direct Colonel [Rufus] Putnam & Monsr [Antoine Felix] Wiebert to mark out some Convenient spot where a small work proper for its defence and security must be thrown up, as speedily as may be.
His Excellency wishes you to sink as soon as possible the Vessels &c. for Obstructing the Channel, and should you want more, that you will certify Genl Putnam of the same.2
1. Washington Papers, LC.
2. Washington on August 11 urged Colonel Rufus Putnam "to hasten the Sinking of Vessels and other obstructions in the River at Fort Washington as fast as it is possible." Charles S. Slack Collection, Dawes Memorial Library, MCL.
