Fishkill, Nov. 2, 1777.
Dear Sir:
I lodged last night in the neighborhood of New Windsor. This morning
early I met Colonel Morgan with his corps, about a mile from it, in
march for head quarters. I told him the necessity of making all the
dispatch he could, so as not to fatigue his men too much, which he has
promised to do.
I understood from Colonel Morgan, that all the northern army were
marching down on both sides the river, and would, probably, be
to-morrow at New Windsor and this place; and that General Putnam had
held a council for the general disposition of them, in which it was
resolved to send you four thousand men, and to keep the rest on this
side the river. I came here in expectation that matters were in such
a train as to enable me to accomplish my errand without going any
further, unless it should be to hasten the troops that were on their
march: but on my arrival, I learned from Mr. Hughes, an Aid-de-Camp of
General Gates, that the following disposition of the northern army had
taken place.
General Patterson’s, Glover’s, and Nixon’s brigades, and Colonel
Warner’s mountain boys, to remain in and about Albany: barracks
building for them. General Poor’s brigade, marching down this side of
the river to join General Putnam, will be here probably to-morrow.
General Learned’s brigade, Morgan’s corps, Warner’s brigade of
Massachusetts militia, and some regiments of New-York militia, on their
march on the west side of the river.
I have directed General Putnam, in your name, to send forward, with
all dispatch, to join you, the two continental brigades, and Warner’s
militia brigade: this last is to serve till the latter end of this
month. Your instructions did not comprehend any militia: but as there
are certain accounts here, that most of the troops from New-York
are gone to reinforce General Howe; and as so large a proportion of
continental troops have been detained at Albany; I concluded you would
not disapprove of a measure calculated to strengthen you, though but
for a small time, and have ventured to adopt it on that presumption.
Being informed by General Putnam, that General Wynds, with seven
hundred Jersey militia, was at King’s Ferry, with intention to cross to
Peekskill, I prevailed upon him to relinquish that idea, and send off
an immediate order for them to march towards Red Bank. It is possible,
however, unless your Excellency supports this order by an application
from yourself, he may march his men home, instead of marching them to
the place he has been directed to repair to.
Neither Lee’s, Jackson’s regiments, nor the detachments belonging to
General McDougal’s division, have yet marched. I have urged their being
sent; and an order has been dispatched for their instantly proceeding.
Colonel Hughes is pressing some fresh horses for me. The moment they
are ready, I shall recross the river, in order to fall in with the
troops on the other side, and make all the haste I can to Albany, to
get the three brigades there sent forward.
Will your Excellency permit me to observe, that I have some doubts,
under present circumstances and appearances, of the propriety of
leaving the regiments proposed to be left in this quarter? But if my
doubts on this subject were stronger than they are, I am forbid, by the
sense of council, from interfering in the matter.
General Poor’s brigade is just arrived here: they will proceed to join
you with all expedition. So strongly am I impressed with the importance
of endeavoring to crush Mr. Howe, that I am apt to think it would
be advisable to draw off all the continental troops. Had this been
determined on, General Warner’s sixteen hundred militia might have been
left here.
I have the honor to be,
With the warmest esteem and respect,
Your Excellency’s most obedient servant,
A. Hamilton.