Letter to General Schuyler

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Sunday P˙ M˙, December 1st, 1776.

Mr˙ Duane, Mr˙ Dunscomb, Mr˙ Roosevelt, Colonel Lott — NEW-YORK.

Mr˙ A˙ Yates — ALBANY.

Mr˙ Moore, Mr˙ Miller, Mr˙ W˙ Smith, Mr˙ L' Hommedieu, Colonel Drake, Colonel Van Cortlandt.

Mr˙ Duane presented the draft of a Letter to Major-General Schuyler; which was read and approved of, and is in the words following, viz:

"SIR: At a late conference between Mr˙ Livingston, one of our members, and the Generals Heath and George Clinton, at Peekskill, the obstruction of Hudson' s River, near Polopel' s Island, was determined upon, and the necessary preparations are making, by impressing axes and boats, and drawing together a number of men, for carrying on the work with vigour and despatch.

"It is a favourite plan of General Clinton' s, who is for the present permitted to attend to its execution; and we wish it may be in your power at least to give him the advantage of your opinion and advice. The disappointment of two attempts to obstruct the river at Fort Washington and Fort Montgomery increases our anxiety for the success of the present effort.

"It was discovered, to our great satisfaction, that General Heath' s instructions from General Washington, which he willingly communicated to the conference, enabled him to proceed in this important work all at the Continental expense, without further authority from the honourable Congress. We are very sensible they would cheerfully have concurred in every expedient for the security of Hudson' s River, on which the safety of this State, the neutrality of the Indian nations, and the communication between the Southern and Eastern Confederates absolutely depend; yet we foresaw that if their approbation had been essential, the preparations must have been suspended so long that the execution of the business might have become impracticable. I have the honour to transmit to you the resolutions of the Committee of Safety on this subject.

"I am, with great respect, sir, your most obedient, humble servant. By order.

"Major-General Schuyler."

Ordered, That a copy be engrossed and signed by the President and transmitted.