{Robin’s Tavern, 8 miles from Allen Town,
{12 o’clock, June 26, 1778.
Sir:
We have halted the troops at this place. The enemy, by our last
reports, were four miles from this (that is, their rear), and had
passed the road which turns off toward South Amboy, which determines
their route toward Shrewsbury. Our reason for halting, is the extreme
distress of the troops for want of provisions. General Wayne’s
detachment is almost starving, and seems both unwilling and unable to
march further till they are supplied. If we do not receive an immediate
supply, the whole purpose of our detachment must be frustrated.
This morning we missed doing any thing, from a deficiency of
intelligence. On my arrival at Cranbury yester-evening, I proceeded,
by desire of the Marquis, immediately to Hyde’s Town and Allen Town,
to take measures for co-operating with the different parts of the
detachment, and to find what was doing to procure intelligence. I found
every precaution was neglected; no horse was near the enemy, nor could
be heard of till late in the morning: so that before we could send out
parties and get the necessary information, they were in full march: and
as they have marched pretty expeditiously, we should not be able to
come up with them during the march of the day, if we did not suffer the
impediment we do, on the score of provisions. We are entirely at a loss
where the army is, which is no inconsiderable check to our enterprise.
If the army is wholly out of supporting distance, we risk the total
loss of the detachment in making an attack.
If the army will countenance us, we may do something clever. We feel
our personal honor, as well as the honor of the army, and the good of
the service, interested; and are heartily desirous to attempt whatever
the disposition of our men will second, and prudence authorize. It is
evident the enemy wish to avoid, not to engage us.
Desertions, I imagine, have been pretty considerable to-day. I have
seen eight or ten deserters, and have heard of many more. We have
had some little skirmishing by detached parties: one attacked their
rear-guard with a degree of success, killed a few, and took seven
prisoners.
An officer is just come in, who informs that he left the enemy’s rear
five miles off, still in march, about half an hour ago. To ascertain
still more fully their route, I have ordered a fresh party on their
left, toward the head of their column. They have three brigades in rear
of their baggage.
I am, with great respect and regard, Sir,
Your obedient servant,
A. Hamilton.
His Excellency General Washington.