Henry Wisner to Pierre Van Cortlandt and William Duer

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Goshen, 30th of November, 1776.

SIR: When I got near home, I found that several of my neighbours had collected a drove of cattle together, amounting to some more than four hundred and fifty, which they had sold for the use of the American Army, and are to drive them to some place in Jersey, there to be salted for the use of the Flying-Camp.

And as it is so uncertain where our enemy will stop, or where the beef may be kept safe in New-Jersey, I have taken the liberty to suggest to you, whether it will not be best to have them killed and salted in some proper places on this side the Highlands. I have also made bold to advise that they be not drove any farther till I may hear from you on the subject. I am informed the British troops were near Newark day before yesterday. If you should be of my opinion, you had best to send immediately.

Write to Stephen Gilberd, who will be with the drove at Gerrit Miller' s, in Smith' s Clove.

I am, gentlemen, your humble servant,

HENRY WISNER.

To Pierre Cortlandt and William Duer, Esqs.