Peekskill, Nov. 15, 1777.
Dear Sir:
I arrived at this place last night, and unfortunately find myself
unable to proceed any further. Imagining I had gotten the better of my
complaint, which confined me at Governor Clinton’s, and anxious to be
about attending to the march of the troops, the day before yesterday I
crossed the ferry, in order to fall in with General Glover’s brigade,
which was on its march from Poughkeepsie to Fishkill. I did not,
however, see it myself, but received a letter from Colonel Shepherd,
who commands the frigate, informing me he would be last night at
Fishkill, and this night at King’s ferry. Wagons, &c., are provided
on the other side for his accommodation; so that there need be no
delay but what is voluntary; and I believe Colonel Shepherd is as
well disposed as could be wished to hasten his march. General Poor’s
brigade crossed the ferry the day before yesterday. Two York regiments,
Courtland’s and Livingston’s, are with them: they were unwilling to be
separated from the brigade, and the brigade from them. General Putnam
was unwilling to keep them with him: and if he had consented to do it,
the regiments to displace them would not join you six days as soon as
these. The troops now remaining with General Putnam will amount to
about the number you intended, though they are not exactly the same.
He has detached Colonel Charles Webb’s regiment to you. He _says_ the
troops with him are not in a condition to march, being destitute of
shoes, stockings, and other necessaries: but I believe the true reasons
of his being unwilling to pursue the mode pointed out by you, were his
aversion to the York troops, and his desire to retain General Parsons
with him.
I am, with much respect and esteem,
Your Excellency’s most ob’t serv’t,
A. Hamilton.
To General Washington.