Clinton, then commanding the Militia who had been called out for the protection of the passes over the Highlands, to desire General Ten Broeck, commanding the Militia above the Highlands, to march down with as great a force as he could collect, in order the more effectually to secure those passes, particularly the road which passed over Anthony's Nose ; and, at the same time, he authorized General Clinton, if there should seem to be any danger from those who were "disaffected," to send an express to Connecticut, desiring the western portion of that State " to col- " lect all their forces at the same point." 8 As we have already stated, the Convention of the State, then seated at the White Plains, besides sending advices of the threatened inroad to the officer commanding the fort in the Highlands, also sent a supply of powder and ball to the inhabitants of Tarrytown, and provided for reinforcements, " along that shore," and solicited protection for King's Bridge, "the destruction "of which it apprehended to have been an object " with the enemy." 9

On the fourteenth of July, General Washington wrote to the Convention a letter which is so significant of the great anxiety which he felt and so highly illustrative of his character, as a great commander, that we make room for it, in this place.

" New- York Head-quarters.

" July 14th, 1776. " Gentlemen : --

" The passage of the enemy up the North-river is " an event big with many consequences to the public " interest. One particularly occurs to me well deserving your attention, and to prevent which I shall " gladly give every assistance in my power, consistent "with the safety of the Army.