doc_id n="S5-V3-P03-sp01-D0269">

John Coe and others to General George Clinton

v3:1123

JOHN COE AND OTHERS TO GENERAL GEORGE CLINTON.

December 9th, 1776.

DEAR SIR: We are somewhat doubtful whether you have received any true state of the condition we are in, and how distressed many of our neighbours are; therefore, we beg leave to inform you, that the King' s troops, our cruel and merciless enemies, have last Saturday been in Orange-Town, have taken some prisoners and robbed others. The English troops and the Tories make great havock; the latter insult and abuse the Whigs in a manner not to be borne with. Part of the Militia of Bergen County are now taking up arms against us, and unless we soon get assistance the

v3:1124

southern part of Orange County will be laid waste. We beg you would consider how hard it is for the men to be taken away, their effects destroyed, and the women and children suffering. This is now the case, and will continue unless we have assistance, or unless the men will agree to take up arms against their country.

Pray lay our case before the General, who commands where you are, and endeavour to get relief for us under our present situation. If a body of men should be sent, we hope nothing shall be wanting on our part to drive the enemy out of our neighbourhood.

We are, sir, your most obedient servants,

JOHN COE,
JOHN SMITH,
THEORUS POLHEMUS,
JOHN COLEMEN,
DIRCK VANDERBELT,
JOHANNES VANDERBELT.

Brigadier-General George Clinton, at or near Fishkill.