The Virginia Gazette

Extract of a letter from head quarters, Morris Town, February 23, 1777.

Sunday night.

We have had a small alarm here this afternoon; General Sullivan wrote from Chatham, that General Maxwell, by expresses from Westfield, informed him, that a large body of the enemy were, within three miles of that place, and advised the removal of the stores from Chatham. The enemy were advancing between three and four this afternoon, but their number is unknown. Proper measures are taken to secure the stores at Chatham and this place. We have been for some time threatened with a visit.

"The enemy must, nay they intend to open the campaign with their present force: No reinforcement can arrive from Europe before the middle of the summer. They are well acquainted with our present situation, and are now making every preparation for some vigorous and sudden blow: They will be ready in a few days to take the field. Pray exert yourselves, and push forward the new levies; not an hour, not a moment, is to be lost. In consequence of the request of our brave and worthy General, Congress directed all officers to march the new army by companies, or parts of companies, leaving proper officers to recruit: I fear this has not been fully attended to as it ought. Be assured the States have it now in their power not only to curb and keep the enemies of their peace and happiness in their present confined limits, but utterly to rout and destroy them, if they would but exert themselves. Call on all your officers, conjure them, by the love they bear their country, instantly to march, to fly to the standard of the virtuous Washington; shew them the danger of delay, point out the glory, the honour, which may attend their instant aid."