Letter from James W. Payne to General Heath

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Frog Point, August 30, 1776.

SIR: In obedience to your Honour' s request, I herewith send you an account of the enemy' s Light-Horse, who are pillaging the country in parties of eight and ten all along on the opposite shore. As it was impossible to convey the troops over last night in the rain, they have found no opposition, which may induce them to continue their route. Had there been one hundred good men on Long Island last night, I am of opinion we could have taken them all. I am this instant going over; if they are yet there, I shall immediately inform your Honour of every particular.

From your Honour' s most obedient humble servant,
JAMES WM˙ PAYNE.

To the Hon˙ General Heath, at King' s Bridge.

P˙ S˙ I have just heard that Major Bowne was seen bound in the possession of the Light-Horse.