Sir

The very critical state of our Army and frequent movements of the Enemy render it almost impossible for the General to write himself without neglecting more important duties. He therefore directs me to answer your letter of the 14th and to say that the Captains of the Galleys from your State have misbehaved invariably from the first moment they came to the time of their departure from hence about a week ago ー That the accumulation of business and a hope that they would retrieve their reputation prevented your having an earlier information of their behaviour. They are now under the sentence of a Court Martial for misbehaviour in the first attack made on the Ships in the North River, and on every other occasion since have manifested such want of Spirit and Judgment as to be despised by the whole Army. In the late affair Capt [John] McCleave must be excepted from the general censure, as he managed with prudence and propriety ー But Capt [Jehiel] Tinker,² with the wind at South and on the Tide of Flood when the Ships could move, left his vessel, though stationed as a guard, to go up to Kingbridge after some cloaths as he pretended. The consequence was, that in the hurry and confusion & long before they were in danger they left the Galley aground, tho' they might have burnt or bilged her ー The Enemy took possession of her in half an hour; and, she with the other left under the like circumstances will probably prove the most formidable Force they can have to oppose us on the River ー There was a place of safety provided for the other Galleys which they might have got into as well as McCleave, but they passed it in their hurry ー I am Sir by his Excellency's Command [&c.]

Head Quarters Octor 18th 1776

Agreeable to your request the Genl has dismissed Capt McCleave and his Crew. The other is up the Riverー