Letter from Colonel Clinton to General Washington

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Fort Constitution, July 13, 1776.

MAY IT PLEASE YOUR EXCELLENCY: Your express of the 12th I just now received, and will endeavour to comply with the contents.

We had a most unfortunate accident happen here yesterday. As Lieutenant Bryant and one Nicoll, both of the Artillery, were scaling out a couple of cannon which we had just mounted, before having flashed a little powder out of one of them, and not spunging her properly, when the Lieutenant was putting in the wad, the cannon went off, shot off his hand, and blew Nicoll several yards, as he was standing by to ram down the charge. Nicoll was mortally wounded; the Lieutenant had his right arm cut off.

We want more officers of the Artillery here very much, as Lieutenant Bryant is a great loss to us. We are scarce of gun-flints and good arms.

I am, your Excellency' s most obedient, humble servant,
JAMES CLINTON, Colonel.