retouched, improved, and corrected with the minuteness of a Flemish painter-even to the alteration of parts of words. He was never satisfied till he had given the highest possible finish to his work. Was this an idle Jabour? More than two thousand years have since rolled by; and the language of Athens, in the days of Demosthenes, cannot be said to be now spoken in the world. Yet is he confessed to be the undisputed master in his noble art. His orations, said by a strong figure to have been as an earthquake in ancient Greece, still agitate the bosom which is sensible of the powers of eloquence, and offer the best model to its votaries.— Like the fine remains of the Grecian chisel, they stand in severe, but beautiful and commanding simplicity, as if conscious that their title to respect, being founded in nature and in truth, though perfected by consummate skill, was equally available in every age. * 115 ner that no other known study will accomplish. They awaken attention, they develope and employ the reasoning faculty, they cultivate the taste, they nourish the seeds of the imagination, give employment to the memory, and, in a word, they discipline and invigorate, in due proportion, all the intellectual powers, and prepare then for orderly and effective exertion in all the varied exigencies which may require their action. Nor is this all. They lay the foundation of that learning which will abide with us, and increase our enjoyments in all the vicissitudes of life. But the limits of a discourse would be unreasonably transcended, by an attempt to enter into a more particnlar examination of this part of the subject. Nor is it necessary that I should thus trespass upon your patience, already so largely taxeď. Abler heads, and stronger hands--strong in good learning -have been repeatedly employed upon the work; and I should only enfeeble their demonstration, by attempting to restate the process. As a witness, however, stating the result of his observations, confirined by the observations of others, I may be allowed to say, that to a young man, entering upon the study of a liberal profession,a thorough groundwork of Classical education is like a power gained in mechanics, or rather it is the foundation wanted by Archimedes for his fulcrum! It gives him a mastery of his studies which nothing else can supply. Of its other influences, allow me to quote to you the testimony of a distinguished female, who, to uncommon opportunities united extraordinary genius and power of observation, and is entirely free from all suspicion of partiality. "The English Universities, (says Madame de Stael, in her 'Germany,') have singularly contributed to diffuse among the people of England that knowledge of ancient languages and literature, which give to their orators and statesmen an information so liberal and brilliant. It is a mark of good taste to be acquainted with other things besides matters of business, when one is thoroughly acquainted with them; and, besides, the eloquence of free nations attaches itself to the history of Greeks and Romans, as to that of ancient fellow countrymen. The study of languages, which forms the basis of instruction in Germany, is much more favorable to the progress of the faculties in infancy, than that of the Mathematics and Physical science." For this she quotes the admission of Pascal. * If it therefore be conceded that the study of the ancient languages is calculated to assist us in what is disparagingly termed the learning of words, or, as it ought to be expressed, in acquiring a good style-that it improves the taste, and corrects the judgment-this, tho' but a part of its merits, would go far to vindicate its right to a place in every system of liberal education. Sometimes it is objected, as it was by the Principal of an academy, already quoted, that an acquaintance with these languages is 'ornamental,' but not ‘useful.' The meaning of this objection depends upon two words, which, appearing to be exact, are notwithstanding, as ambiguous, perhaps, as any in our vocabulary. They are often used without a definite sense in the mind of the speaker, and very seldom with any certainty of the same understanding on the part of the hearer. If it were necessary to endeavour to be precise on this subject, we might be permitted to say, that in the opinion of many very intelligent people, nothing is properly ornamental that is not in some way useful. But when we have thus disentangled ourselves of one perplexing word, we are obliged to encounter another. What is useful, and what is not useful? Are mankind agreed about it? By no means. How then are we to determine what is useful? The answer seems to be this-we are to arrive at a conclusion by considering man in his various relations, and thence inferring, as we justly may, that every thing is useful which contributes to the improvement or the innocent gratification of himself or of others, or qualifies him more effectually or acceptably to perform his duties. Does any one object to those exercises of youth, which give a graceful carriage to the body? Are good manners, the external graces, worthy to be cultivated, because they give pleasure to others? And are the graces of the intellect to be entirely neglected? Is the generous youth to be told that nothing is necessary but to be able to compute the cost of fifty bushels of corn? The proprieties, and even the elegancies of life, when they do not run away with the heart, nor interfere with the performance of serious duties, are well deserving our attention. But let it not be imagined, that in thus insisting upon the general argument of experience the greatest of all teachers-in favour of Classical learning, or in answering one or two particular objections, it is meant to be conceded, that it cannot be vindicated upon original grounds. It can be, and it has been, repeatedly and triumphantly shown, that these unequalled languages, which, as was long ago said of them, "have put off flesh and blood, and become immutable," are precisely calculated to perform the most important general offices of a liberal education, in a man us. *Cicero not only studied the Greek language, but to such an extent as to be able to declaim in it, and to excite the strong but melancholy admiration of Appoloni"As for you, Cicero," he said, after hearing him declaim in Greek, "I praise and admire you: but I am concerned for the fate of Greece. She had nothing left her but the glory of eloquence and education, and you are carrying that too to Rome." Some part of the doubt, which, in this country, has been insinuating itself into the public mind, is owing to the imperfect and insufficient manner in which the languages have been taught; or rather it should be said, in which they have been learned; for there has probably been at all times a disposition to teach them. Enough has not been acquired to fix a permanent taste in the student himself, or to demonstrate its value to others. The consequence is, that the graduate suffers his little stock to decay from neglect, and his parents and friends exclaim that learning is of no use. Another consequence is, that there is no scholar-like mind, to exert its influence upon the community, and operate upon the mass of public opinion. The corrective is in more thorough teaching. It will require more time and more labour from the student. But time thus employed, will be well employed. And as to labour--if he desire to arrive at excellence of any sort, he can learn nothing better than how to apply himself with diligence to the work that is before him. There is a great deal of affectation in the world, of facility and expedition in the performance of intellectual tasks-of doing things quickly, and without preparation or exertion, as if by an inspiration of genius, and differently from those, who, by way of derision, are called plodders! It is a poor affectation. Sometimes it is maintained at the expense of sincerity, by concealing the pains that are really taken. Oftener it is only the blustering of conscious weakness and indolence. The highest and surest talent-that which will hold out longest, and often reach the greatest elevation-the only talent, I might almost say, which is given to man for intellectual achievement-is the talent of applying his faculties to produce a good result -that is, of labouring with success. No one need be ashamed of possessing, of exercising, or of cultivating it. The great lesson of life is to apply ourselves diligently to what is before us. Life itself is but a succession of moments. The largest affairs are made up of small parts. The greatest reputation is but the accu mulation of successive fruits, each carefully gathered and stored. The most learned scholar began with learning words. Every day is by itself a day of small things. But the sum of our days makes up our life--and the sum of our days' work makes up the work of our life. Let every one, therefore, who would arrive at distinction, remember, that the present moment is the one he is to improve, and apply himself diligently to its improvement. BIOGRAPHICAL MEMOIR OF MAJOR GENERAL ANTHONY WAYNE. [From the Casket.] West Point, 27th July, 1779. Sir,--The circumstances, situation and numbers of this army, as well as that of the enemy, which your Excellency was pleased to lay before the council of general officers last evening, have fully considered, and I am of opinion, that something ought to be attempted, in order to draw General Clinton's attention towards King's Ferry, which will not only give great security to the states, but leave it in your power to cover this post, the possession of which, I believe to be the main object of the enemy, could they once draw your army out of protecting distance. In order to effect this, I would propose that about 5000 men march, and one half of them take post in the vicinity of Smith's white house, and the remainder in front of Springsteel's, with their left on the river, north of Stony Point, and erect two batteries, one on the hill, upon the felled trees, in front of the point; the other on a high piece of ground, near the river, and north of King's Ferry, which enfilades, not only the works on Stony Point, but also commands Verplank's Point, from which positions there are roads leading to Springsteel's, passable with a little more opening, for our artillery, from whence they may be thrown into the gorge of the mountain, in the rear of Storm's, and there protected, should the enemy move up in force, so as to prevent us drawing them off by (Continued from page 69. ) ` Congress, owing to the French minister's representations, as already mentioned, amusing themselves with notions of a speedy peace, and disregarding the early admonitions of Washington, had scarcely made any ex- I would not wish to make use of more than four ertions for re-enlisting the army. But few recruits had pieces of ordnance on this side, i. e. two heavy twelves, arrived at camp before the middle of July, although a and two 8 inch howitzers, on travelling carriages, with large part of the army dissolved in the course of the 100 rounds per gun. preceding spring and autumn, by the expiration of the terms of service for which the men were engaged. The American commander being inferior to his enemy in strength, could not act on the offensive; indeed, he was enabled to accomplish little more than to guard the defences on the Hudson. It was about this period that the celebrated Henry Laurens, in a letter to a friend, said, "Let us look around and inquire into the state of the army, the navy, the treasury--the view is truly af fecting; but what is most of all to be deplored, is. the torpitude of national virtue; how many men are there, who now in secret say, could I have believed it would have come to this, I would I am not one of this number." I would, in addition to this movement, advise the stationing of one thousand men on the east side, with two travelling twelves, and one or more howitzers, that would serve to amuse or distract the enemy on Verplank's Point, keeping a good look-out down the river, so as to have timely notice of the enemy's approach, and to fall back occasionally The remainder of this letter is defaced by accident. -. For the purpose of effectually fortifying West Point, the commander-in-chief transferred his Head Quarters to that place; and in order to afford protection as far as practicable to the inhabitants, he stationed differe:.t bodies of troops on each side of the river, but not at so great distances apart as to prevent a speedy concentration of them in case of any emergency. The Light Infantry, under General Wayne, was posted at Fort Montgomery and in its vicinity, on the west side of the Hud son. Lest it should become wearisome to the reader, the remainder of General Wayne's correspondence, during the campaign of 1779, will be greatly curtailed, and confined almost exclusively to military transactions, and particularly to letters between himself and the commander-in-chief. However, it is an act of justice due his memory, to say, that if this memoir would admit of a fuller introduction of correspondence, it could not fail in being interesting and instructive to both the politician and soldier, although the days have long since "gone by" which produced the occasion of it. Dear General,-I am commanded by his Excellency, to inform you that he is anxious to have the sentiments of the general officers on certain points of importance, and has notified a meeting this afternoon, half past 4 o'clock. He would wish you to be present, if your wound will permit you to attend with convenience the barge carries this, and can bring you down. If you will have time, he would be glad of your company to dinner. I am, your most obedient, ALEXANDER HAMILTON. HEAD QUARTERS, July 26th, 1779. West Point, July 30th, 1779. Dear Sir,--Your favour of this date came duly to hand; I shall certainly not undertake any thing capita', without your knowledge. I wish for your opinion as a friend, not as commanding officer of the light troops, whether another attempt on Stony Point, by way of surprise, is eligible, in any other manner under present appearances and information; no good, I am sure, can result from it. Lord Cornwallis is undoubtedly arrived, and I have information that bears all the marks of authenticity, that Admiral Arbuthnot, with the grand fleet, left Torbay, the 26th of May, with (as it is said) 7000 troops, Hessians and British, for America. A deserter, who left the city of New York on Tuesday last, says, it was reported that a number of transports had arrived at Sandy Hook; firing, he himself heard. I have not heard, nor is it my belief, that Lord Cornwallis supersedes Sir Harry. I am, very sincerely and affectionately, GEO. WASHINGTON. Fish Hill Landing, 31st July, 1779. Dear General, it was not until 10 o'clock this morning, that I was honoured with your favour of yesterday, and not as commander of the Light Corps, but as your Excellency desires, I now give my opinion on the point you require. The enemy will certainly profit, so far, by their late misfortune at Stony Point, as to provide for, or guard against a surprise, and to find out, and strengthen the most vulnerable and weak parts of their works. Indeed, they are at this time industriously employed in that very business, as well as fraising, and perhaps enclosing the old works, as you will see by the letter of equal date, with this herewith transmitted. But I am fully of opinion, that the Light Corps, with the addition of one thousand more picked men, and officers properly ap 1829. ANTHONY WAYNE. 117 pointed, would carry that post, by assault, in the night, My best and kindest wishes to Mrs. P., with congratwith the loss of between 'four and five hundred men, ulations on an addition to your family. which is the least number I can think of calculating up Yours, most affectionately, on, supposing the enemy to be but one thousand strong, ANTHONY WAYNE. but should they be more, it will require a force, and Richard Puters, Esq. consequently a loss, in proportion. This is my opinion, There is so much good sense, truth, and pleasantry, but if your Excellency should be of a different senti interwoven in Mr. Peters' letter to the General, that it ment, and that this business ought to be attempted, I must not be withheld from the reader of this memoir: will, with the greatest cheerfulness, undertake the Belmont, July 11th, 1779. charge of executing it, although I am not quite reco- Dear Sir, --I heard an Irishman the other day, sing a vered from my wound, unless your Excellency has very foolish ballad of three or four verses, yet its simsome other officer in view more competent to the task. plicity struck me, and I bave, this rainy morning, scribInterim, believe me, yours, bled the enclosed, from a hint which I catched from my most affectionately, Hibernian songster.--I have adopted, with a few altera. ANTHONY WAYNE. tions, the first verse, and except for another line or two, His Excellency, am answerable for both the fully and length of the rest. General Washingtox. I send it to you that you may give it to some of your Towards the latter end of August, Admiral Arbuth- singing sergeants or corporals, as I wish the poor devil not, with the British deet and reinforcement, arrived to be introduced into the army, under the protection at New York. This event excited considerable anxiety of at least a non-commissioned officer. It goes to the in the public mind, respecting the army immediately tune of an Irish lilt, which I have often heard the fifers under the command of General Washington, on and in play. If my wares are vendible, perhaps I may, at some the vicinity of the Hudson, in consequence of its weak- other time of leisure, furnish you with more of them. I ened state, from causes which have been already given. do not trouble you with it from any view of credit I shall The following is a letter from General Wayne, to that gain by it--but you must know that I am a great friend truly patriotic and essentially serviceable man of the to ballads, and believe, that more can be achieved, by day, Richard Peters, Esq., in which he mentions the a few occasional simple songs, than by an hundred rearrival of the British feet, and the probable consecommendations of Congress, especially considerimg how quences of that occurrence—be also refers to the disas- few attend to or read them. This is not singular, for it trous issue of an expedition against the fortifications on is the case with the public acts of all governments. I the Penobscot, which had been recently erected by wish often to see ballads dispersed among the soldiery, Çol. M'Lean, and a regiment under his command, by which, inspiring in them a thirst for glory, patience unwhom that part of Massachusetts had been invaded from der their hardships, a love of their General, and subNova Scotia. The troops which composed the expe- mission to their officers, would animate them to a cheerdition were exclusively militia, of that state, amounting ful discharge of their duty, and prompt them to undergo to between three and four thousand men, under Gen. their hardships with a soldierly patience and pleasure. Lovell, and convoyed by Commodore Salstontal. I confess that our army have exbibited constant proof of Says Gordon, in the history of the Revolutionary War, their virtue in all these particulars, to the astonishment “ The expedition against the fort was so wretchedly of their enemies, and to the admiration of every true conducted as to do no credit, either to the General or friend of our country and its cause. Yet the most trifling Commodore. The army and sailors had to explore a stimulus may sometimes be of service. I never descend great part of their way back by land, through thick to fattery; and you and I often have altercations on the woods and desert wastes." detail of our a:fairs. You will, therefore, believe me, Light Infantry Camp, near Fort when I assure you, that in my most gloomy moments, Montgomery, 30th August, 1779. } for being much behind the curtain, I cannot avoid being Dear Sir, --Yours, of the 11th of July, came to hand troubled with uneasy feelings --I look up for comfort in the midst of a busy scene, but I introduced the song and find it in the virtue of our army. I know you are into the army, not by a non-commissioned officer, but not Saints, nor in all respects, Romans--but by mixing under the patronage of some musical colonels, who less with the million, you have more firmly retained your have ushered it into their regiments with not a little original principles, and have contracted little of that eclat. I wish for more of them, agreeing in sentiment pestiferous avarice, which, unless speedily checked, with you, that those kind of songs are often attended "will" plunge our country into sure destruction. You with better effects than some resolves of Congress, or may blame the day for the gravity of these observaeven of constitutional or republican societies. tions, and believe me ever, your affectionate humble You will, perhaps, wish to know something of the servant, news and politics in this quarter-but these are matters RICHARD PETERS. which I seldom possess time to meddle with--however, P. S. I hear a Monsieur Noirmunt is a major in the I believe that the Massachusetts expedition against Aying army; he is a modest, brave and worthy man. Do M'Lean, has cost us some thirty or forty vessels--among let me recommend him to your attention. which are the Warren frigate, and several others of General WAYNE. force-bowever, we are in hopes that we shall not have General Wayne being desirous of rendering to his lo exchange veterans for militia-men, as the latter are country and General, every possible service which on their own terra firma, and understand a retrograde could be derived from the Light Corps, thus addressed manæuvre well, and which they will perform with the the commander-in-chief:utmost velocity. Fort Montgomery, 28th Sep. 1779. Admiral Arbuthnot, with the grand feet and rein. Dear General,--I have, in company with several field forcement of troops, arrived safely at New York, three officers, reconnoitred the ground in the vicinity of Hadays since. I may, therefore, venture to predict the verstraw Forge,--also, the roads and avenues leading near approach of a distressing, if not sanguinary cam to it--and find a very strong and advantageous position, paign. I believe that I sported the same idea at an about a mile in the rear, or westward of the Forge,-early period, and at a time when some of my friends each flank covered by strong ground, and roads to retire were of a contrary opinion. However, I hold it unwor- either by the left to Inne's, or under the foot of the thy of a generous mind, to recapitulate past errors--it mountain to Suffreins'. This position will at once cover is now our duty to exert every power to stem the tor- the country--prevent trade being carried on with the rent-and, although we cannot always command suc. enemy, and probably afford a field for something to be pess, yet, I trust, we shall produce a conviction to the done in. One of the piquets will be posted in a position world, that we merit it. which affords a commanding and perfect yiew of Stony 1 w } Point, and every part of the river, from the lower end on your return to camp, as he might otherwise mistake of Haverstraw Bay, as far up as Peekskill But, his route. as a Light Corps, we have no occasion to be fixed, as I am, dear Sir, yonr most obedient servant, 10 locality; we should move and take such position, GEO. WASHINGTON. from time to time, as will most distress and distract our P. S. I am to request that you will take pains to asenemy--we shall, by this means, use, or destroy the certain whether the enemy have bomb-proofs in Stony forage in that country, which, otherwise, will inevitably Point, what number, extent, and thickness. This is an fall into the hands of the British. Should the siege of essential point to know towards any operations against Stony Point take place, this will also be a proper posi- that post. G. W. tion for part of the covering army--and the sooner we General Wayne, who was himself an accomplished take post there the niore we shall assist in facilitating its mathematician, and good engineer, thus replied:reduction, by preventing the obtaining of supplies of Light Infantry Camp, near wood and forage. But should the proposition not meet your Excellency's approbation, perhaps you may sug- Dear General,--The moment I received your favour gest some other, that will give us more manæuvring- of the 31 inst. which was not until 11 o'clock yesterday, any move will be some alleviation to both officers and I ordered out a covering party, and took with me some men, as our ordinary guards and reliefs require upwards field officers, with an escort of a few dragoons, and of 600 rank and file, with a proportion of officers dailv; proceeded to the place where General Duportail had these, together with the scouts and movements towards appointed, but he had departed about half an hour bethe enemy, keep us all on duty nearly two days out of fore we arrived. I immediately detachell a Light-horsethree. Should this movement take place, our supplies man, who returned without coming up with him, after will come from Pomptown, by the way of Suffreins'; he had followed several miles. we will require a few wagons; twelve will be sufficient I could wish that the General had sent me a note, as for the purpose. we were not more than three miles from him, and any I will do myself the honour of waiting on you this of the inhabitants where he was would either have carafternoon, or tomorrow morning. ried it, or conducted him to our camp. However, I will Interim, believe me, with sincere esteem, your Ex-urdertake to give your Excellency full satisfaction, as cellency's most obedient servant, to the distances from the differert points of atlack, 10 ANTIIONY WAYNE. gether with the respective elevations, provided you will His Excellency, please to direct the theodolite and chain, which we General WASHINGTON. took at Stony Point, to be sent to us by the dragoon' HEAD QUARTERS, who delivers this. I believe the needle is lost; but there West Point, 29th Sept. 1779.5 is more dependence on the limb of the theodolite, than Dear Sir, --It is agreeable to me that you should move can possibly be placed on any needle. with the Light Corps to the vicinity of West Point, on I wish to have the instruments 10-morrow, as we shall the principles proposed in your letter of yesterday. But make a grand forage in the vicinity of Stony Point, on as I should not be entirely without apprehensions for Thursday, and I can effect both at the same time, under your security, the enemy having in their power secretly cover of the troups. to reinforce their garrison, and make an attempt upon Agreeably to your Excellency's orders, I had an in. you, I shall write to Lord Stirling, directing him in some terview with Lord Stirling on Friday evening, and again measure to co-operate with you, by advancing some on Saturday morning, but could not be understood as troops towards your right Aank, and as there is a regi. to the position which a part of his troops should take in ment of cavalry about Paramus, it may be employed order to cover my right and support each other. He wholly or in part with you, if forage can be procured, was decidedly of opinion that Paramus, or its vicinity, as may be agreed between his lordship and yourself. was the most eligible position for that purpose, and You will apply to the Quartermaster General to furnish accordingly marched in full force for that post, on Sunyou with the number of wagons you stand in need of. day morning; therefore, his troops yet remain about In your new situation you cannot possibly be too vi- fifteen miles distant from our camp. I was to have met gilant, as you will be somewhat exposed, and the ene. his lordship at Paramus that evening, to consult further my will, no doubt, have every disposition to retaliate on the occasion, which I omitted doing on hearing that the affront you gave them at Stony Point. You will be remained behind at his former quarters, deeming it, always be ready to move at the shortest notice, what- as I did, my duty first to secure my own corps; which I ever' way the exigency of the service may require. You have accomplished by taking a position that effectually will see Lord Stirling, and concert with him a plan for guards against a surprise, and secures a safe retreat in mutual support. case of necessity. As soon as the forage and other busiI am, dear Sir, your most obedient servant, ness are effected, I shall again wait on him. But as he is GEO. WASHINGTON. perfectly acquainted with the country, I cannot pretend General WAIXE. to advise him; although, as a military man, I cannot General Duportail, a French officer, who is mention think that fifteen miles is within a proper supporting ed in the following letter, was early recommended to distance, when the situation of the enemy, as well xs Congress as a celebrated engineer, and as such, his our own, is maturely considered. services were advantageously employed. I have a patrol constantly passing from Storm's to HEAD QUARTERS, Oct. 3d, 1779. the Dunderburg look-out, so that no move of the enemy Dear Sir,--General Duportail proposes, to-morrow, can take place by land, on this side the river, to West a second time, to reconnoitre the post of Stony Point, l'oint, which we shall not discover, and of which your and to ascertain the distances from the enemy's works Excellency may depend upon the earliest intelligence; to the place proper for establishing batteries. He will but I think this a manæuvre rather to be wished than arrive there precisely by eleven o'clock. You will, expected, as they never will commit themselves to the therefore, please to have a covering or reconnoitring mountains, with the army in front, and this corps in the party, consisting of a regiment, ready at the second rear, without first attempting us. place, to which you went the other day,--not the bighi By intelligence from different quarters, I am led to hill on which you first took your stand. This is the spot believe that Lord Cornwallis, with the troops said to which General Du Portail points out, and he will be at have sailed, are yet on board their shipping, in the har. the place punctually, at the time appointed. The offi. bour of New York. cer commanding the party will take his orders from him. I am your Excellency's most obt. and very h'ble servt. You will also send an escort to meet him at the house ANTHONY WAYNĘ. where you stopped the last time, to take refreshment, His Excellency, General W ASHINGTON, 1829.] EARLY HISTORY. 119 HEAD QUARTERS, 2 West Point, 6th Oc. 1779. S Dear Sir, I received yours of yesterday, last evening. It was entirely owing to the idleness of the express that the letter, informing you of the intended reconnoitring party, did not reach you in time. I send you by the dragoon the theodolite taken at Stony Point. There is no chain belonging to it, you must supply that deficiency with a rope. I; however, that attempt, I should presume, will de His Excellency, FROM MANUSCRIPTS EARLY SETTLEMENTS ON DELAWARE. Paramus was not, in my opinion, the proper position IN POSSESSION OF THE AMER. PHILOSOPHICAL SOCIETY. for the whole of Lord Stirling's force, nor indeed of any part of it, to answer the purpose of covering your right Hank. I have since written to his lordship to take a position that will, in conjunction with the Light Infantry, prevent the retreat of the enemy from Stony Point by land. This I have done upon a possibility that Count D'Estaing will be able, should he arrive, to run some light ships up the river, and prevent the evacuation by water. His lordship will, I presume, by the time this reaches you, have so concerted measures with you as to answer the desired purpose, and tend to your mutual security. Be pleased to keep the matter of endeavouring to intercept the garrison, a secret. I am, dear Sir, your most obedient servant, General WAYNE. Book of Dutch Patents N A Folio 153. Wee William Keist Director Generall and Councill under their high and mightynesses the Lords States General of the United Netherlands his highness of Orange and the Honourable gentlemen managers of the incorporated West India Company residing in New Netherland make known and declare by these presents that wee on the day of the date hereunder written have given and granted unto Abrahamm Planck Simon Root Jan Andrieson en Peter Harmense that they may settle themselves in the south river of New Netherland and take possession of the lands lying in the said river almost over against the little island called t'vogelssant of which lands is granted to them in property to be taken up by them one hundred morgan of land to settle there four farms or plantations and to manure within one year after the date hereof and sooner if possible on pain of loosing this their action with these conditions and stipulations that the said persons or who may obtain their right shall acknowledge the honourable gentlemen managers before named for their lords and patrons under the sovereignty of their high and mightynesses subjecting themselves further unto all such rates and duties as by the honourable gentlemen are already established The Vulture sloop of war has proved a little trouble-named Abraham Planck Simon Root Jan Andriesen en or yet to establish constituting therefore the before some to us. I intend to try the effect of red-hot shot up- Peter Harmense in our state real and actual possession on her to-morrow morning. Light Infantry Camp, near My Lord,—I am this moment honoured with yours of yesterday, and I will attend your lordship at Paramus, on Friday morning. The accounts which I have received from different quarters, correspond with yours, that Count D'Estaing is off the coast, and that Lord Cornwallis is actually returned with all the troops said to have sailed with him, and now on board the shipping in York harbour. Lord STERLING. Interim, your obedient, ANTHONY WAYNE. Light Infantry Camp, 8th Oct. 1779. Dear General,-You will please to consider this as supplementary to my letter of this morning, with the enclosed plan of the enemy's works at Stony Point, with the points of attack in case of investiture. They have neither bomb-proofs nor a magazine. Their ammunition is kept on board of a sloop in the rear of the point, except a few rounds for their artillery, which are covered by two tents. They have one 32-pounder, mounted on the right, or north part of the works; one 18 on the left, or south side, a few fire-flies, and four 5 and 4 inch howitzers at intermediate distances between the two extremes, where 32 and 18 pounders are stationed, and in the block-houses. of the aforesaid land lying on the west side of the south CORNELIUS VAN RUYVAN Secretaris in 1646. Fo 61. I am of opinion, that two 18 and two or three 12 pounders, on travelling carriages, with two 8 inch how-by order of the Honourable the Director Generall and itzers, will be a sufficiency of artillery to reduce this Councill of New Netherland. post, as the have given way, and fallen in many parts of the works, especially the outward redoubt A, which, from the points A, B, & E, would soon be reduced, and a lodgment effected in its rear. A combined Book of Dutch Patents begunn the 26th February, 1654. attack on Verplank's Point ought to take place at the same time, which would drive down the shipping and Petrus Stuyvesant under their high and mightynesses boats. Were two practicable breaches to be effected, the Lords states generall of the United Netherlands and and the block-houses demolished, I think we could the Honourable gentlemen managers of the incorporacarry the works by storm, with great ease, and I am ted West India company Director general of New Ne fully of opinion, that the breaches may be effected in therlands Curacoa Bonayro Aruba and the dependentwenty-four hours, after possessing the advanced work ces thereof and the Honourable Gentlemen of the counA, which will be covered by the points C, E. What cill make known and declare that on the day of the date time it will occupy to destroy the block-houses, I cannot hereunder written Wee have given and granted unto say; as that depends on a few lucky balls.-As to the Jacob de Hinse two lots lying in the south river nigh probability of the enemy's attempting to compel us to the fort Casimer the one in the first row being in numraise the siege, your Excellency can better judge thanber the eighteenth broad in front sixty two feet broad |