General Washington to Governour Livingston

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Brunswick, December 1, 1776.

DEAR SIR: I wrote to you yesterday; but as from every information of the motions of the enemy, their intent seems plainly directed through this State, and then on to Philadelphia, I cannot help calling on you, in the most urgent manner, and begging you to fall upon proper means to draw forth the strength of your Province to my support.

The enemy' s advanced parties were last night at Bonum town, four miles on this side of Woodbridge. They are impressing wagons and horses, and collecting cattle and sheep, which is a further proof of their intent to march a considerable distance. Unless my force is speedily augmented, it will be impossible for me to make any stand at this place, when the enemy advance, as I have not, including General Williamson' s Militia, (say one thousand,) more than four thousand men. The Militia from the Counties of Morris and Sussex turn out slowly and reluctantly; whether owing to the want of officers of spirit to encourage them, or your summons not being regularly sent to them, I cannot say; but I have reason to believe there has been a deficiency in both cases. Designing men have been purposely sent among them, to influence some and intimidate others; and except gentlemen of spirit and character will appear among them, and rouse them, little can be expected. I wrote to General Williamson last night, and pressed him to exert himself; but I have reason to believe he has not the confidence of the people as much as could be wished. My accounts of the reinforcements to be expected from Pennsylvania are very encouraging; but, from the distance and necessary delays attending a sudden march, I cannot look for them under a week or ten days, in which time the enemy will have reached the Delaware, at least, if not opposed by more than my present numbers. General Lee is on his march down to join me; but if the enemy should throw in a body of men between us, he will be obliged to make a considerable circuit to avoid them. The boats and craft all along the Delaware side should be secured, particularly the Durham boats used for the transportation of produce down the river. Parties should be sent to all the landings, to have them removed to the other side, hauled up and put under proper guards. One such boat would transport a regiment of men.

I have, &c,

GO˙ WASHINGTON.

To Governour Livingston, New-Jersey.