He was stout and strong in person, about five feet ten inches high, with a broad round chest ; his aspect manly, and demeanor pleasing, enjoying always a high state'of health, its bloom irradiated a countenance which significantly expressed the fortitude and miklness invariably displayed throughout his life.

The following communication was addressed by Washington to Col. Greene, only seven days before Count Donop attacked Fort Mercer at Red ]j.ink, on the Delaware : --

HEAD-QrAr.TEr..s, Octoeep. lorn, 1777.^^ 11 o'clock at ni[iht.)

Sir. :-- I am persuaded by intelligence from different quarters that the enemy are dctermiued to endeavour, by a speed}' and vigorous eflort to carry Fort Mitllin, and for this purpose ;ye preparing a consideraVile force. Their attempt will probably be sudden and violent, as they are hardly in a situation to delay a niattir so e.-sential to them as that of removing the river obstructions. It is of intinite im;-.ortance to disappoint their intentions in this instance, as their keeping or evacuating Philadelphia materially depends upon their having the Cvjmmunia T- -MiiiMiiv of I.yiliii Vail. a-zetX 74, N-iv. V.\ Isu, pr.ui'lau^'^tLr of rji'liapl^on I'avtnport, aji'l lui-coot FriuciJ Tuttea,-- -McUoajul Mis. la p^J~iOi^l ju of Ouo. iloortr, ir;:^q.

688 HISTORY OF THE COUNTY OF WESTCHESTER.

cation with tlicir sliippinj immediately opened, and it is not unlikely they iimv despair of effecting, it if tliey should fail in the push, which I imudnc they :ir.; now about to make. Col. Smith's present force is not as great as could be wi.-JK-d, and requires to be augmented to put hiin in a condition to make an efrectu:ii opposition. I would tlicreforc have you to detach immediately as la:go a part vi your f(?rce as you pijssibly can in aid of the garrison. I cannot well determine what proportion. This must be regulated by circumstances and appearances, but my present idea is that the principal part sliould go to his assistance.