June 28,Letter from Colonel Joseph Reed to Samuel Tucker: Unless the most speedy and effectual measures are taken to throw a body of men, well armed, into New-York, the most fatal consequences are to be apprehended

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Head-Quarters, New-York, June 28, 1776.

SIR: At the request of General Washington I enclose you a copy of a letter received this morning, from which, and other advices, there is no doubt General Howe is arrived at the Hook, with a very large force. It would be too dangerous a secret to trust to a letter to mention how inadequate our Army is to encounter it. Let it suffice to say that, unless the most speedy and effectual measures are taken to throw a body of men, well-armed, into this city, the most fatal consequences are to be apprehended. I am, therefore, to enjoin the honourable body over whom you preside to exert their utmost efforts at this critical juncture, when, in all human probability, the fate of our country, our lives, liberties, and property, depend upon the spirit and activity that will be shown in a very short time.

Agreeable to your resolve, empowering the General to call in the Militia, he has written General Livingston for that purpose, unless it appears clearly to him that troops, under the new establishment, and those well-armed, can be sooner procured.

It is a most melancholy truth that of our little Army at least two thousand are wholly destitute of arms, and near as many with arms in such condition as to be rather calculated to discourage than animate the user.

No further arguments can be necessary to gentlemen of discernment and lovers of their country, and such have appeared to direct the publick affairs of New-Jerseyduring this tempestuous scene; depending, therefore, on your utmost

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I have the honour to be, your most obedient servant,

J˙ REED.

To the Hon˙ Samuel Tucker, Esq˙, President, &c.