Letter from John Coe to the Commanding Officer at Paulus-Hook

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Haverstraw, July 13, 1776.

SIR: The regiment of this County is now, and has been, under arms all night, occasioned by the appearance of several ships-of-war of the Ministerial fleet, now lying in Tappan Bay. We have heard that another part of the same fleet attacked the city of New York last evening; but what has been the event, or whether they have been able to pass the forts on the river, we are not able to learn. As we would endeavour to ease the County as much as is consistent with the publick service, at this busy season of the year, we have despatched the bearer, Mr˙ Resolvert Van Houter, express to you, and beg you would give him the necessary information relative to the action of yesterday, and your advice on the necessary steps to be taken by us to prevent the enemy from making inroads and depredations on the west side of Hudson' s River.

We are, sir, your humble servants.

By order of the County Committee for Orange County:
JOHN COE, Dep˙ Chairman.

To the Commanding Officer of the Continental Forces at Paulas Hook, or on the west side of Hudson' s River.