Head Qurs, Heights of Haerlem Octr the 9th [1776]
[Extract]
About 8 o'clock this morning, Two Ships of 44 Guns each, supposed to be the Roebuck & Phoenix and a Frigate of 20 guns, with Three or Four Tenders, got under way from about Blooming dale, where they had been lying some time and stood with an easy southerly breeze towards our Chevaux de Frise, which we hoped would have intercepted their passage while our Batteries played upon them, But to our surprise and mortification, they ran thro without the least difficulty and without receiving any apparent damage from our Forts, tho they kept up a heavy Fire from both sides of the River. their destination or views cannot be known with certainty, but most probably they are sent to stop the navigation and cut off the supplies of boards &c. which we should have received and of which we are in great need. They are standing up, and I have despatched an Express to the Convention of this State,2 that notice may be immediately communicated to Genl [George] Clinton at the Highland Fortifications to put him on his. guard in case they should have any designs against them and that precautions may be taken to prevent the Craft belonging to the River from falling into their hands.
1. Papers CC (Letters from George Washington), 152, III, 139, 141-42, NA.
2. New York Provincial Congress, I, 669.
