[White Plains] Die Sabbati, 9 Ho. A.M. July 27th, 1776.
[Extract of letter from General Washington]
New York, July 24th, 1776.
Governor Trumbull having informed me by letter yesterday, that since the arrival of the fleet at the Hook, many of the enemy's frigates and ships have been stationed between Montauk Point and Block Island to intercept the trade from the Sound, and in which they had been but too successful in taking several provision vessels, and of the impossibility that any should escape falling into their hands, he had ordered the armed vessels in the service of Connecticut to stop and detain all vessels going down the Sound with Provisions, till the Continental Congress or the Conventions of the States to which they belong could be apprized of the hazard attending their proceeding in their voyages and give orders thereon. I beg leave to recommend the matter to the consideration of your Honourable Body and submit it to them, whether it may not be expedient to lay a general embargo or prohibition upon all exports of this kind from your State, except such as the Congress or yourselves may order. The propriety of keeping the enemy from supplies of this sort, and providing a sufficiency for our own army, is so evident, that words are unnecessary upon the subject. However, I cannot but observe, as my opinion, that the former will be impossible to effect, unless some general restraining regulation is come into. No care, nor industry, nor honesty, on the part of the exporters will be able to elude the vigilance and activity of their almost innumerable cruizers. But when it is considered that as long as a free export of any articles of this nature is tolerated, disaffected persons may easily fall in their hands with impunity, nor any means be left us to ascertain their guilt; when there is strong reason to believe that some have designedly done so, and almost incontestible proof from sundry depositions of deserters and others that a ship that went from hence, sailed with no other view, and joined the enemy at the Hook; I incline to think the measure not only advisable but necessary, especially as the large consumption of provision by our army affords and will afford a ready cash market for all that individuals may have to dispose of and take away every objection of injury on that head. Were it otherwise, private advantages and emoluments must always give place to the public good, when they are incompatible...
I have the honour to be, [&c.]
Go Washington.
P.S. ー When the ships of war, &c. run up the river, I wrote Governors Trumbull and Cooke, for some of their row gallies, supposing they might be of service in attempting something against the ships. I expect three or four every hour, besides one l have. If the secret committee are forming any plan against the ships in which they think they may be usefully employed, if they will let me know, I shall be glad to cooperate with them, and furnish every assistance the gallies can give, if not otherwise materially engaged.
I am just now informed that the ship mentioned above to have gone to the enemy was fitted out by the Congress, under the command of a Capt. Hilton, who has acted this base part.
Ordered, That a copy of the postscript of the aforegoing letter be immediately transmitted to the secret committee of the Convention, now at Poughkeepsie.
The following letter from Govr. Trumbull was received and read, vizt:
Lebanon, July 17, 1776.
Sir ー I have received credible information that there has lately been intercepted and taken several provision vessels, bound to and from your Colony through the Sound; that there are three or four men of war, frigates and cutters, cruising off Block Island, &c.; that it is scarcely possible for any vessel bound to sea to escape them. I have kept out the armed sloop the Spy, Capt. [Robert] Niles, cruising off Block island, to give notice of danger to vessels passing that way; and merely for the public service, have been obliged to give him orders to stop any provision vessels bound to sea, when danger is apparent. In consequence whereof, he has detained a ship laden with wheat and flour, from New-York, which, if she had proceeded, must undoubtedly have fallen into the hands of the enemy, and of which I understand the captain is fully persuaded. I trust you will think that nothing but the common good would have induced me to have taken this step, and that you will readily approve the measure, when you consider the reasons and motives of my conduct therein. Whenever there is a fair prospect of the ship's sailing with safety and avoiding the enemy, no objection arises to her or any other vessel sailing, if within the rules of the Continental Congress. I have acquainted the Congress and, Genl. Washington with my proceedings, and furnished them with a number of affidavits, supporting the above information. The General, I dare say, will show you them if desired.
I am with great truth and regard, sir, [&c.]
Jonth. Trumbull.
Honble. President [Nathaniel] Woodhull.
A draft of an answer to Governor Trumbull was read and approved of, and is in the words following, vizt:
In Convention of the Representatives of the State of New-York. At the White-Plains, 27th July, 1776.
Sir ー I am directed by the Convention to return you their thanks for your prudent care and attention in preventing the enemy from making capture of vessels laden with provisions.
The reasons which influenced your Honour's conduct, have had their full weight upon the councils of this Convention, which you will perceive by the enclosed copy of a resolution, which I am also directed to send you.
I am, sir, with great respect, [&c.]
To the Honourable Jonathan Trumbull, Govr., &c.
A letter from Robert Yates, Esqr. chairman of the committee for obstructing the navigation of Hudson's river, dated at Poughkeepsie on the 22d instant, directed to the general committee at New-York, and by them sent to this Convention, was read and filed. They thereby inform that they have determined to fit out two armed vessels at Albany; that they want gunners, and persons used to cannon on board of ships; they request such to be sent to them, and mention Alexander Dean and Wessells, as having been recommended to them. They also request combustible material to make fire arrows, and that money be advanced to such persons as may be sent to them, to defray their expences.
Thereupon a letter to Capt. Hazlewood [John Hazelwood] was read and approved of, and is in the words following, to wit:
Sir ー I am directed by the Convention of the State of New York, to desire the favour of your immediately, to repair to Poughkeepsie with the combustible materials necessary for charging fire ships, and making fire arrows. When you arrive at that place you will inquire for Mr. [John] Jay and Mr. Robert R. Livingston, members of a secret committee, appointed by this House to annoy the enemy's ships in Hudson's river, and concert with them the most effectual measures for carrying their designs into execution. If those gentlemen are not at that place, you will be pleased to inquire of Captains [Augustine] Lawrence and [Samuel] Tudor, who live at that place, where they are, and make the utmost dispatch in joining them.
It will, however, be necessary that you should wait on General Washington, and obtain his permission for coming up; which, from Mr. [William] Duer's representation, we doubt not you will effect.
Should you stand in need of any money or assistance in order to forward the materials, be pleased to apply to General Washington, who we flatter ourselves will give every necessary direction to the quarter-master-general.
I am directed by the Convention of this State to enjoin to you the most profound secrecy in conducting this matter.
I am most respectfully, &c.
Captain Hazlewood.
