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.

" I am informed there are several passes, on each " side of the river, upon which the communication " with Albany depends, of so commanding a nature "that an inconsiderable body of men may defend " them against the largest numbers. It may be that, " on board these ships, there may be troops for that " purpose, who, expecting to be joined by the disaffect- "ed, in that quarter, or confiding in their own " strength, may endeavour to seize those defiles, in " which case the intercourse between the two Armies, "both by land and water, will be wholly cut off, than " which a greater misfortune could hardly befall the " Province and Army. I must entreat you to take " the measure into consideration, and, if possible, '' provide against an evil so much to be apprehended. " I should hope the Militia of those Counties might be " used on such an emergency, until further provision " was made.