To the Chairman of the Provincial Congress.

Manor of Cortlandt, Croton Ferrv, July 17, 1776.

This morning mustered the regiment, and upon parade appeared forty-six men. Our men are at present very much fatigued. Capt_ain Ledue's company, in defiance of us all, waded through the terry and are gone off. The Ministerial ships are still riding in Haverstraw Bay. We have been very peaceable last night. We should be very thankful for a speedy relief. From your humble servant,

James Hammond, Lieut. -Col.

I this minute received intelligence from a man on Courtlandt Manor, that the Tories told him, before the shipping came up, when they would come ; and that when they came the Tories were to collect to assist them.

To Brig. Gen. Woodhuil, President of the Provincial Congress.

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HISTORICAL SKETCHES.

That the doughty Colonel had enemies, other than the foe at the front, is evidenced by the following, copied from the records :

"At a meeting of the Convention held Friday afternoon, Julv 19, 1776, a letter from Lieutenant-Colonel Hammen, of the Militia now stationed at the banks of Hudson's River, at Cortlandt's Ferry, dated this day, Colonel Hammen informs Congress that a Member of this Convention has informed him that a complaint is exhibited against him to this Convention, charging him with deficiency of duty on the night the enemy's ships came up to Tarrytown, as also a charge relative to some pork. The Colonel requests an opportunity of vindicating himself before this Convention.