have heretofore done a great deal of County duty when other Companies have been left at home, and have never had any satisfaction for it, and which also we never intended to make any demand of. However, we have notwithstanding, been very ill used, for all the other Companies have had powder and ball delivered to them when we are left without any. So gentlemen, if you should be in want of us, you might let me know by' the earliest opportunity; and you may' depend upon it these men will be ready almost on the shortest notice. Therefore you must send up recruiting orders immediately.

Your Humble Servant,

Col. Hammond in a letter to the N. Y. Convention date ot July 14, states that Capt. Wm. Dutcher, was willing to raise a Company of 40 men to protect the inhabitants from the " Mischievous attempts of the Ministerial ships now lying in the river near Tarrvtown," and be recommended to the Convention that he be so authorized.

Capt. Dutcher' s lettei was read at a session of the Convention held July 31, 1776. The following is copied from the original proceedings date, of Aug. 5, 1776 :

" A letter from Wm. Dutcher, Captain, Daniel Marling, First Lieutenant, and ■George Munson, 2d Lieutenant, dated the 30th day of July last, and rec'd on the 31st, was read and filed. They therein set forth their willingness to rai-e a Company and serve under Col. Thomas, and that they are of opinion they can raise a Company without difficulty.