Great numbers of them have gone off; in some instances almost by whole regiments, by half ones, ami by companies at a time." And in a letter to his brother he gave the following vivid account of the situation: "The dependence which the congress have placed upon the militia has already greatly injured and, 1 fear, will totally ruin our cause. Being subject to no control themselves, they introduce disorder among the troops whom we have attempted to discipline, while the change in their living brings on sickness, and this causes an impatience to get home, which spreads universally and introduces abominable desertions. In short, it is not in the power of woids to describe the task I have to perform." Notwithstanding the terrible emergencies with which Washington was confronted, his effective force after his escape to the Heights of Harlem (September 10) showed a diminishing tendency. On the LMst of September the whole army, including General Heath's command, comprised (exclusive of officers) about 16,100 men tit for duty; on the 30th of September, about 15,100; and on the 5th of October, about 14, 500. These, besides embracing a large proportion of crude militiamen who were an element of weakness, were encumbered by thousands of sick, (hi the other hand. General Howe had at his disposal for the invasion of Westchester County, after leaving behind him ample garrisons, as well as all his sick, an army many thousands larger -- all professional soldiers. The contrasting conditions are thus powerfully summarized in the notorious Joseph Galloway's " Letters to a Nobleman": "The British army was commanded by able and experienced officers; the rebel by men destitute of military skill or experience, and, for the most par', taken from mechanic arts or the plough. The first were possessed of the best appointments, and more than they could use; and the other of the worst, and less than they wanted.