Sunday 4 O'Clock P.M. Haverstraw October 5th. 1777—
Sir.
I think it my Duty to inform you, that Yesterday the Enemy's Fleet consisting of four large Ships of War1 a Considerable Number of Armed Vessels2 and Eight Transports with forty flatt Bottom Boats came up as far as Tarry Town, this Morning they came up into the Bay opposite this Place and are now landing their Troops at Verplank's Point, no Opposition has yet been made on our Part, the Shipping are at Anchor below the Point.—
I have called out the Militia but as we are but a handfull of Men, I thought proper to imploy them in driving off the Stock & watching the Motions of the Enemy which is all I can do till Supports arrive but I know not to what Quarter to send for Assistance unless the Jersey Militia could be sent forward from the Eastern part of that State.—I am [&c.]
A Hawkes Hay3
L, DLC, George Washington Papers, Series 4. Addressed: "On Public Service./To/His Excellency/George Washington Esq/Commander in Chief of the American Army/Head Quarters/⅌ Express." Docketed: "Colo: Hawks Hay/5 Octr 1777."
1. H.M.S. Preston, frigates Tartar and Mercury and brig Diligent.
2. H.M. sloop tender Hotham and galleys Crane, Dependence and Spitfire.
3. Colonel, New York Militia.
