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[Read August 5, 1776.]
New York, August 2, 1776.
SIR: Your favour of the 30th ultimo, with its several enclosures, I was honoured with by Wednesday' s post.
Congress having been pleased to leave with me the direction of Colonel Ward' s regiment, I have written to Governour Trumbull, and requested him to order their march to this place, being fully satisfied that the enemy mean to make their grand push in this quarter, and that the good of the service requires every aid here that can be obtained. I have also written to Colonel Elmore, and directed him to repair hither with his regiment. When it comes, I shall fill up
Colonel Holman, with a regiment from the Massachusetts State, is arrived. Colonel Cary from thence is also here, waiting the arrival of his regiment, which he hourly expects. He adds, when he left New London he heard that the Third Regiment from the Massachusetts was almost ready, and would soon be in motion.
The enemy' s force is daily augmenting, and becoming stronger by new arrivals. Yesterday, General Greene reports, about forty sail, including tenders, came into the Hook. What they are, or what those have brought that have lately got in, I remain uninformed. However, I think it probable they are part of Lord Howe' s fleet with the Hessian troops. It is time to look for them.
I have the honour to be, with great respect, sir, your most
obedient servant,
P˙ S˙ I am extremely sorry to inform Congress our troops are very sickly.
Letter from General Washington to the President of Congress
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commissions for such officers as appear with their respective companies.
GO˙ WASHINGTON.