Preston off Peek's Kiln Creek.
15th. October 1777.
(Copy)
My Lord,
Since I had the Honour to write to you by the Apollo not any thing material has happened here; but Sir Henry Clinton having occasion to write to the Commander in Chief, I take the same Opportunity to acquaint Your Lordship, that the Number of Men which would be necessary for the Defence of the more extensive Garrison of Fort Montgomery has induced Sir Henry to destroy it, and to add some Works to that of Fort Clinton which commanding the first, effectually removes all Apprehension from thence, and reduces the Force necessary to maintain it to about 800 Men: This has enabled Him to send a Detachment of about 1600 Men up the North River under General Vaughan; Sir James Wallace who has already explored the River as high as Pakepsy, directs the Naval Part consisting of the Gallies and small Vessels1 as before; and Captain Stanhope2 under Him, commands the Detachment of flat Boats appointed for the occasion. They sailed Yesterday and are now above the Chevaux de frize off Pollepus Island,3 where I have placed the Mercury to secure that Passage against their Return, and the Cerberus being reported to me as only fit for River Service, takes Her Station off Stoney Point, to scour that Neck, and to give her Assistance at the same time the Camp at Verplanks; The Tartar flanks the Approaches to Fort Clinton, and the Preston lies between the two, within Signals of either.
The principal Object of the Move up the River is to facilitate the Motions (whatever they may be) of the Northern Army, and by the Alarm which it will occasion to cause a Diversion in their Favour.
The Unicorn was to sail to-day with a Convoy of Victuallers for Rhode Island—The Galatea's Rudder was dropping off and has been obliged to be unhinged and the Brune's Standing as well as Running-Rigging mostly condemned by Survey. I have the Honour to be [&c.]
