Letter from Colonel Allen to the President of Congress

v5:204

New-York, March 13, 1776.

SIR: I have the honour to acquaint you that, on my arrival here, I waited on Lord Stirling, to request his assistance in procuring sloops to convey the troops from Dobb' s Ferry to Albany. This business being effected, I was this day preparing to set off for Albany, when I received the following orders from Lord Stirling:

New-York, March 13, 1776.

"SIR: You are hereby ordered to direct all the companies of the Second Battalion of the Pennsylvania Troops, of which you are Lieutenant-Colonel, which are not yet embarked for Albany, to proceed immediately to this city, where quarters shall be provided for them. You are to remain at this place till further orders.

"STIRLING, Brigadier-General.

"To Lieutenant-Colonel Allen, of the Second Regiment, Pennsylvania."

Agreeably to the above, I have despatched a messenger, with orders to the different companies, as they arrive at Hackensack, immediately to march to this place, where I shall anxiously expect to be honoured with your orders.

This unexpected delay, at so critical a season of the year, has given me much uneasiness; but my business is to obey orders, and not to judge of the propriety of them.

I have the honour to be, with the greatest respect, sir, your most obedient, humble servant,

WM˙ ALLEN.

To the Honourable John Hancock.

N˙B˙ Your despatches for General Schuyler are to be forwarded to-morrow morning by Lord Stirling.