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Towns of Bloominggrove, Cornwall and Monroe

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“I beg you will give the substance of this account to Genl. Gates, in answer to his letter to me. I have only to add that I greatly regret the loss of those posts; but I am consoled with the full persuasion that they have bought them dear, and that I have done the most in my power to save them. I beg you to excuse incorrectness,

“And am with due respect,

“Your most obedt. servt.

“GEO. CLINTON.”

“P. S. Major Lush is, I believe, their prisoner.”

GENTLEMEN-I wrote to the Legislature yesterday, giving them as particular an account of the loss of forts Montgomery and Clinton as I was then able; since which, I have the pleasure to inform you, that Genl. Clinton is got in, and his wound does not appear to be any ways dangerous. Many other of our officers have also arrived, who we had reason to believe, were made prisoners. Not more than eleven officers of Colo. Duboy's regiment are missing; two hundred of his men, including non-commissioned officers, have already joined me at this place; many more of them may be hourly expected, as we have heard of their escape. Many also of the artillery companies, who were at those posts, have escaped and joined us, and more of them are hourly expected.

“The night I left Fort Montgomery, as my escape was effected by crossing the river, I waited on Genl. Putnam, at Continental village, in order to concert the proper measures to be pursued after this unfortunate event. The general officers there agreed in opinion with me, that the intention of the enemy, under Sir Henry Clinton, was to relieve Burgoyne's army, by effecting a junction with him; that as they had carried the forts, their next object was to pass the chevaux-de-frize, so proceed up the river. The posts at Peeks-kill and Sydnam's, by the loss of those which command the navigation, have lost their importance: it was therefore agreed that Genl. Putnam should retreat with his army to a very defensible pass in the mountains, about three miles from Fishkill, where he is, in the most speedy manner, to get in the eastern militia. I am to rally my forces near this place, call on all the militia of Orange and this end of Ulster; also to be furnished with a Continental regiment from Genl. Putnam's army to defend the chevaux-de-frize in the best manner I can; and that as soon as we find the enemy can raise or pass it, both armies to move northward, so as to keep pace with the enemy, covering those parts of the country, which will be their greatest object, until they shall think proper to land.

“As soon as ever I find the shipping are likely to pass the chevaux-de-frize, I will, by a forced march, endeavor to gain Kingston and cover that town. I shall have one brass pounder and six smaller brass field pieces which will make a formidable train.

“I am persuaded if the militia will join me, (which have reason to hope,) we can save the country, (a few scattering houses along the river excepted,) from destruction, and defeat the enemy's design in assisting their northern army.

“A deserter, who had been taken and forced to enlist in Col. Fanning's regiment, came in to us yesterday from the enemy at Fort Montgomery: he deserted immediately after it was taken, and informs me that the enemy's loss was very great; that Genl. Sir Henry Clinton commanded in person had three general officers with him; their force was 5,000-three thousand of them British troops and Hessian yaugers, the remainder new levies-commanded by Brigr. Genl. Beverly Robertson and Colo. Fanning. I have only to add, that though the country esteem the posts lost., of the greatest importance, yet the manner in which they were defended, has given such general satisfaction as to elate and not depress their spirits. I am, with esteem, gentlemen,

“Your most obedt. hble. servt.

“GEO. CLINTON.”