It is impossible for the Convention to draw out a force which can be depended on from the Counties last mentioned. By the Influence and Artifices of the Capital Tories of this State the Majority of Inhabitants in those Counties are ripe for a Revolt; many Companies of Men have actually been enlisted in the Enemys service, several of whom are now concealed in the Mountains. From the Frontier Counties little Strength can with Safety be drawn, and that not in Time to prevent such an attempt of the Enemy. These Matters I have in a few Words suggested to the Convention (for my Business on the Committee I am in is so urgent that I have only been a few Minutes in Convention this Day). If they have not wrote to Genl. Washington, let me earnestly entreat that a Force may be immediately sent to the Highlands on this Side.

HISTORY

WESTCHESTER

COUNTY

by this Means you will not only keep up the Communication with the Army, but I verily . . . believe prevent a Revolt in Westchester and Dutchess Counties. MagaHow are you of for Flour, and Salt Provisions? Will it not be wise to lay in should of War our Army Fortune the through lest zines in Time in this Quarter [Fishkill] be obliged to retreat to the Highlands? Tilghman to the committee, October 11.-- We have no Intelligence of any Troops, either Horse or Foot, going round long Island into the Sound. Duer to Tilghman, October 12.-- Notwithstanding the Enemy had, agreeable to your last Advices, sent no Yessells tip the Sound, depend upon it they will endeavor to make an Attack upon your Flanks by means of Hudson's and the Fast River. Several Examinations wh we have taken mention this as their intended Operation: and indeed it is the only one wh can give them any Probability of Success.