Dear Sir,

This morning we had Information from our Guard Boats, that there were two Ships of War,¹ three Tenders,² and a Large number of Flatt Bottom'd Boats coming up the River, they proceeded up as far as Tarry Town, where they Landed their Men­—this Evening they were follow^d. by one Large Man of War,³ five Topsail Vessels,⁴ and a Large Number of Small Craft—I have sent off Parties to Examine their Rout, and Harrass their March if Prudent—General Parsons has gone down to Reconnoiter he has not yet Return'd, but by Information from several different Quarters, we have Reason to believe they intend for this Post—They are now making up, (as we hear) for Croton Bridge—You will please to give such orders to the Malitia, in Consequence thereof as you shall think proper—

I have sent the Barge to you with this, and most sincerely wish, you would come Down as soon as Convenient—I should have wrote you before, but I thought this movement only to drive off some Cattle &c I am [&c.]

Peeks Kill Oct^or. 4^th. [1777]
8 oClock in the Evening—