Sir

I arrived here on Wednesday Evening last, haveing his Excellency General Washington's Orders to take the Command of the Forces in this City, and to Erect such Works as I should think Necessary for its defence ー in which we are now busily employed, after geting the Works in such forwardness as [torn] be prudent to leave, I propose immediately to take possession of Govenors Island which I think a very Important Post, should the Enemy arrive here and get Post there it will not be possible to save the City, nor could we dislodge them without great loss. The inclosed Letter I Recd by Express from Fort Constitution last Evening, which I should have immediately forwarded on to You had the Contents been such as requir'd it, but as the Fleet have not arrived, (which was the Supposition of the Gentleman who wrote it) I tho't it needless to

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forward it on by express

Fryday Arrived at the Narrows a small Ship of 18 or 20 Guns,3 sent her Boat immediately on Board the Dutchess of Gordon, soon after which the Govr in the Dutchess sail'd, where bound we know not.

This morning she sent her Boat to the watering place, for Water, the day before I had Detach'd three Companies of the Rifle Battalion to StatenIsland with orders to Scour the Shores, a Midshipman and ten Sailors were in her she was fired upon and lost two Men, the Rifle Men .took the rest Prisoners and hall'd up the Boat, the Ship immediately began a heavy fire, & slightly Wounded one Man, since which the Ship has fell down below the narrows. As Hostilities are now Commenced In this Province I have tho't fit to order no more Provision to be sent the Men of War.

Inclosed is an Extract of a letter Recd by the Post, the contents of

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which I thought necessary to acquaint You with I am Sir [&c.] Israel Putnam