accordingly. You take the proper steps to insure your being furnished with Provisions at Orange Town & your Quarter Master will draw the necessary Ammunition from the Assistant Quarter Master Genl. at Haverstraw of which you must be very careful that if not used it may be returned. I am your

To Colo. William Allison.

[No. 270.]

H Serv't,

Geo. Clinton.

S'r,

The Enemy. Advances on Aquackanonck.

Pyramus Dec'r 19th 1776.

I am directed by Genl. Heath to inform you, that he received certain Information about 12 O'Clock last night, that the Enemy had advanced as far as Aquakanack Bridge with Cannon &c. & ordered the Inhabitants to lay down the Bridge; they will undoubtedly pass this Morning. Would it not be well to draw your Regiments together as they are much scatter'd. Ours have been under Arms for some time, are dismissed for an Hour, then to parade again. The General desires to see you at his Quart

ers.

Your humb. Serv't,

Israel Keith A. D. C.

Genl. George Clinton.

[No. 271.]

The General's Orders to Col. Allison Approved by the New York

Sir,

Convention.

Fishkill Dec'r 19th 1776.

Your favor of the 17th instant being laid before the Convention; I am directed to acquaint you that they approve of the

measures you have adopted and of the Orders you have given to Colo. Allison, for promoting the Utility & Success of the Expedi tion under your Command. They flatter themselves that the valuable Ends which were proposed by this Enterprise will be happily affected. Relying on your Zeal and abilities they do not think it necessary to give you any Directions in addition to those with which you are furnished; a Retreat to the Passes of the highlands being secured every Thing else is left to your Prudence. An Express is dispatched to Colo. Allison with your Orders.

As in the present Tumults and Confusion of War, the ordinary Channels of Communication are stopt, and consequently all our Intelligence rendered uncertain and precarious: The Inhabitants of Kingston met with the Committee, and agreed immediately, to dispatch an Express to you; as the most probable source, from whence we can derive any satisfactory Information. The Gent'n leave it entirely in your option, how long to detain, or when to dismiss the Bearer: And request it as a favour, that you will transmit to them, by Him a circumstantial Account of the late

movements of both Armies, and the present numbers and situation of Both.

Early embarked in the Cause of our Country from Principle as well as Interest, Zealous and active in every step of its Progress, and now advanced beyond a Possibility of receding with Honour or Safty: we anxiously wait the Event of a general Engagement, as that which will in a great measure decide our Slavery or Freedom. The late Progress of the British Arms in a neighbouring State, General Lee's Captivity, the Division of the Province of Pensylvania, and the neutrality of the Quakers, sensibly affect, and, not without Reason, alarm us. The Gent'n present you their warmest wishes for your Prosperity and Success.

I Just Rec'd yours By Mitchel, shall pay a perticuler attention to your orders-but must informe you, that in compliance with your orders, with the Bregade Major for 300 men properly officerd to march under his Direction Coll. Hethorn Regement march'd with mine and is now in this place. Major Johnson agreed to send two companies but never Join'd us untill we were Returning from Closter Last Evining; and as the people was put to some difficulty for Quarters I Have not been able this morning to Learn where they are, but shall (if not already gon direct them to Return to their Regement) and continue Coll.

Hethorn's here Untill farther orders as we are but weak, believe the two together dont consist of more than 240 men.

I am sorry to be under the necessity of troubling you with the complaints of the Melitia posted here, many of whome I have Reason to beleive has Left their families in a suffering condition and, therefore, doubt not, but you will have the whole dischargd as soon as you can consistantly; I have cairfully avoided discharging any that were fit for service; if you dis approve of what I have done or should think it advisable for me to discharge in cases Extronary pleas to signify it.

We have been Exceedingly disappointed about beef, and no salt for what Little we have had; we have this morning procured 2 or 3 small cattle which may serve about two days; but are doubtfull wheither a full supply can possibly be had, should we Ly here any Time; Coll. Hethorn is gon to Coll. Hays to know whether any farther supplys can be had from there.

Our people say the troops with you draw feteigue Rum, and claim An Equal Right, I have, therefore, sent a slay with which I hope you will send some to prevent murmering; and if the slay is not loaded with that article, and we likely to tarry here, I would sugest wheither it would not be better to make it up with Beef, and must beg that salt be sent if it can be had.

One of our scouting parties yesterday took two known Tories Inhabitants of Ulster County; shall keep them under guard untill we Receive your direction concerning them.

We have a supernumary set of officers, and have been at a loss what to do in that case, and should be glad of your direction as it makes an additional if not a needless Expence.

I am with the greates Respect,

Sir, your most obedient Humbl Serv't,

The Quarter Masters of the Regiments of Militia at the New City near Kakeate complain that they suffer for want of Provision & tell me that you decline or cannot suply them. It will not do for them at such a Distance to draw here & even if it was convenient I dont know that the Commissary coud furnish them at farthest more than one Day longer, and if you cant provide for them I must let them Return Home. I cant think of asking them to continue & suffer. I am your

Most Obed't Serv't,

To Colo. A. H. Hay.

Geo. Clinton.