[Extract]

Dear sir. Last night was a time of the utmost Confusion & hurry Imaginable ー Our Troops from long Island retreated into the City last night. The latter part of the night when they finished their retreat was very favorable to the Design a thick fog came on Just at Day break ー I believe they came of[f] without any Molestation from the Enemy. The town is now again filled with Soldiers ー but all in Confusion, I hope things will be soon reduced to more Order. The Reason of this Retreat I cannot certainly learn. The heavy rains we have had here for several Days past have fatigued the men on that Station, great part of whom were without any Cover, almost to death, I never saw poor creatures look more banged than they do. ー Some say the Rains have greatly injured the works there. Doubtless the Generals think them not Tenable or they never would have quitted them. The Retreat was conducted with great prudence, tho' the Measure was unexpected & surprizing to me.... I have this moment heard that the last division of our troops were fired upon by the Enemy as they pushed from the Shore & several killed. Tis doubtless the Enemy's design to cross the Sound below hell gate & take possession of Kings bridge. for this purpose they have Carried a Number of Boats a[c]ross the Island. should they effect this they will ruin us. But I trust they will never be able to Effect this we have a large body of Troops at Kings bridge & thereaboutsー