Sir
Your favor of the 4th & 5th of this instant came duly to hand — you may depend upon my transmiting to Congress every piece of intelligence that comes to hand that is worthy their notice
By one Justice Mercereau a Gentleman that fled from Statten Island I am inform'd that there are 10,000 Troops embark'd for South Carolina to be Commanded by Lord Dunmore — this intelligence he obtained by a Gentleman Yesterday from the City of New York a man of Credit & Truth — Mercereall is a very good friend to the cause and a sensible man, and he says from several ways this Account is confirm'd — Perhaps the numbers are not so great as reported —2 Mercereau further informs that a large fleet are at the watering place on Long, or Statten Island, all ready to sail for England it is reported the fleet consists of 100 Sail — By Several Accounts from different People from the City it appears our Prisoners are in a very suffering situation — Humanity requires that something should be done for them — they have only half allowance of bread & Water but this I suppose is exaggerated.
The Enemy at Dobbs ferry where they have lain for several days past decamped this morning at Nine oClock and took the Road towards Kings Bridge — They made an appearance at the ferry as if they intended to cross the River believe they are disappointed in their expectations and at a loss what measures to pursue
We have had several Skirmishes with the Hessians on York Island within a few days, kild and wounded between thirty and forty privates and one Officer — Day before yesterday our People had an Interview with the Hessians — they acknowledged they were greatly impos'd upon by their Prince, and Promis'd to desert that night but none came over —
A considerable part of the Troops on the other side are coming over into the Jerseys and his Excellency General Washington with them — I expect General Howe will attempt to possess himself of Mount Washington — but very much doubt whether he'll succeed in the Attempt — Our Troops are much fatigued with the Amazing duty — but are generally in good Spirits. The Hessians say they are on half Allowance. The light Horse are said to be perishing for want of Provender. I have the Honour to be [&c.]
