Letter from General Mercer to General Washington

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Elizabeth Town, August 8, 1776.

SIR: I received your favour this morning, and am very glad to find Mr˙ Maddison and Mr˙ Johnston here, who are immediately from Staten Island. They intend to pay their respects to your Excellency. It will, therefore, be improper to take up your time with relating what you will hear from these gentlemen. That some attempt will speedily be made with the greater part of the enemy' s force, is confirmed by all accounts. I shall endeavour to have the troops in this quarter in as good preparation as I can, and will with great alacrity give my assistance in such way as you are pleased to point out.

The Militia are brought into somewhat better temper. Their well or ill-founded complaints have given me a great deal of concern; but it has given me more anxiety to find, by a letter from Colonel Reed, that constructing lines of defence was expected here, when it was difficult to keep the troops from deserting the posts.

It will always give me pleasure to receive and obey your commands.

I am, your Excellency' s most obedient servant,
HUGH MERCER.

P˙ S˙ Generals Roberdeau and Ewing accompanied me here in hopes of having the pleasure of meeting your Excellency.