[Extract]

Head Quarters Cambridge 14 March 1776

... I am inform'd by two very intelligent Men who made their escape from Boston, that they embark in great Confusion ー are oblig'd to destroy many of their Carriages & Waggons for want of Room to transport them ー That they are greatly distress'd for Seamen to man their Transports, and that the few they have are put on half allowance, Provisions being so scarce that they have not more than sufficient for four Weeks.

I am much pleas'd with your plans for the defence and Security of New York, ー what you may leave unfinish'd ー I shall order the Commanding Officer to compleat as soon as possible ー Lest the Enemy should meet with favorable Winds in their passage and get there before our Army. ー I have wrote to Governor Trumbul desiring him immediately to forward two thousand Men, and have also requested One thousand from 'the Jersies ー This with the Force already there I hope will be able to keep the Ministerial Army at Bay until I can arrive with the Main body.