Letter from General Washington to Colonel M' Intosh

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White-Plains, October 21, 1776.

SIR: I wrote to you a few days ago, desiring, if you did not find matters ready for the expedition to Long-Island, that you would move forward with the two Massachusetts regiments under your command. I have further reason to repeat my orders to you on that head. The enemy are advancing by parties from their main body, which now lays at New-Rochelle, and taken possession of the posts upon the Sound, with design to cut off our supplies from the eastward by water. They advanced, early this morning, to Mamaronick, which our people shamefully abandoned at their approach, not for want of numbers, but want of a good officer to lead on the men.

I therefore again desire, that, if matters are not ready for your intended, expedition, you would lay it aside for the present, and inarch immediately with the two regiments under your command towards Byram river, and also desire Lieutenant-Colonel Livingston to come forward with the companies which he has under his command. When you arrive at Byram river you will send an express forward to Brigadier-General Lord Stirling, who commands here, and he will give you orders how to dispose of the men under your command.

I am, &c, GO˙ WASHINGTON.

To Colonel L˙ Mclntosh, of Georgia.