Autograph letter signed : Peekskill, to Thomas Mumford, 1777 Aug. 4.

Concerning the events leading up to the Battle of Setauket (August 22, 1777); saying "The Event I fully expected has now hapned; all our Troops to about 2000 drawn off to Philadelphia & the Suppos'd Expedition against that City laid aside; The Enemy 's Fleet left the Capes of Delaware last Thursday Morning & Steerd to the Eastward in consequence of which our Army are returning - There is Scarce a remaining Doubt the first Southerly wind will bring them to this Place. Unless the Militia of Connec't Should turn out with the greatest Spirit & Expedition I think in the present State of the Post the most fatal Consequences to the Reputation of the handful of Troops here & to the Interest of the United States & Connec't in particular is to be fear'd unless Providence, which has ever done more for Us than we have for ourselves, should cause his winds to blow or by Some other Disaster prevent the approach of the Enemy before our Troops recross the River."