Kingston, 24th May, 1777.
Dear Sir:
You certainly had no reason to complain of me, for not informing you
of the destruction of the stores at St. John’s. True it is, we had
a vague report of such a transaction; and we had also an account,
from private persons, that the report was confirmed at Albany: but
General Gates has never done us the honor to make us acquainted with
his intelligence upon that subject; and therefore I was not really
warranted to say any thing about it. Apropos, I shall lose two beaver
hats if our troops are not in possession of New-York by the first day
of July next. If the enemy expect reinforcements, prudence will dictate
to us to do something offensive as soon as possible. Would it not
be prudent to make several attacks at the same time? For instance,
about Hackensack, Bergen, or wherever else the enemy are in that
quarter: upon Brunswick, by way of Round Brook, Bonumtown, and from the
southward: upon Fort Independence in Westchester county, or against
Harlæm: and upon Long Island, by throwing over some of the eastern
troops. If only one should prove successful, it would give splendor to
our arms, and dismay the enemy. But our numbers, &c., &c., must govern
these things. Howe certainly cannot mean to come this way, unless he is
considerably reinforced. He will, unless he is to act on the defensive.
I hope that our Generals are very busy fortifying the passes in the
Highlands. I fear we shall destroy many men by it when the weather
grows warm. Much fatigue prevents that attention to cleanliness which
is essential to the health of soldiery. Soldiers should, in my opinion,
be as much exercised in the use of arms, and the various evolutions,
as is necessary to preserve their bodies in a state of strength and
elasticity. The rest of their time may be usefully employed in the care
of their clothes, and collecting refreshments. I seriously believe,
that if two armies of thirty thousand men each, were to take the field
in May, and the one be employed in building fortifications for three
months, which the other should storm at the expiration of that term;
the odds would be in favor of the assailants, that the campaign would
not cost them as many as the enemy. But a truce to idle speculation.
Be pleased to direct your next letter to Robert R. Livingston and
Christopher Tapin, Esqrs., as I shall not myself be in the way to
receive it. We have no news here but this, that the tories are much
humbled, and will, I believe, be more so.
Adieu. Yours,
Gouv. Morris.
Col. Hamilton.