The Virginia Gazette

Extract of a letter from General Washington, to his Excellency the President of Congress, dated Morristown, January 18, 1780.

The severity of the weather having rendered a descent upon Staten Island practicable by the ice; and it being also imagined that the communication between New York and the island was interrupted by the same cause, a favourable opportunity of striking the enemy stationed there (who amounted by report to 1000 or 1500 men) seemed to present itself. A detachment of 2500 men, including the troops under General Irvine, was accordingly made for that purpose, and the command given to Major General Lord Stirling.

It was originally intended to have attempted the execution of the matter by surprise; but there being good reason to suppose, that the enemy by their emissaries or by other means had got notice of our designs, little hope remained of effecting the business in that manner.

As the detachment was assembled near Elizabeth town, it was thought advisable to proceed at all events, upon a consideration that no bad consequences could possibly result, and that we might find an opportunity of reaping some advantages. We were however disappointed in our expectations, as Congress will perceive, by the enclosed report from Lord Stirling.

Lord STIRLING's report.

SIR,

I have the honour to inform your Excellency, that early on yesterday morning the corps under my command crossed the sound at De Hart's point, and proceeded towards the watering place. The enemy having received previous intelligence of our movements, a surprise was out of the question, and as their works were well situated, and appeared otherwise strong, an assault was deemed unadvisable, as it would probably have cost us more than we could have gained by success. We found too, contrary to our expectation, that the communication between the island and New York was open. Immediately on our arrival, in front of the enemy's works, they sent off a boat to the city, and in the evening several vessels came down from thence to the island. As from this circumstance there was no hope of reducing them for want of provision or fuel, and a reinforcement might have rendered our continuance dangerous, we determined to march off this morning. The retreat was effected in good order, and with very little loss. A party of the enemy's horse charged our rear guard under Major Edwards, but was completely repulsed. The Major had three men killed, killed one of the light horsemen, and took his horse. Some few of the men were frost bitten, and though we took all the pains in our power to have all such as were unable to march, transported in sleighs; yet I imagine a very few may have been left behind.

We took a few prisoners, and had a few deserters from the enemy.

Immediately after crossing, a party was detached under Lieut. Col. Willet, to Decker's house. The corps there had been alarmed and barely made its escape. The house is a garrison place, and eight or nine small vessels were burned. A considerable quantity of blankets and other stores were found.

While the troops were upon the island, a number of persons from this side took advantage of the occasion to pass upon the island, and plundered the people there in the most shameful and merciless manner. Many of them were stopped on their return, and their booty taken from them. In addition to which, I have sent an order for publication, requiring those who had eluded the search, to restore the articles in their possession, and exhorting the good people at large, to assist in detecting them. All the soldiery on recrossing the ice, were searched, and the little plunder they had, taken from them, and their names noted that they may be brought to punishment. The articles recovered are, and will be, deposited with the Rev. Mr. Caldwell, who is exerting himself in the affair, to be returned to the owners. I am happy to inform your Excellency, that a very inconsiderable part indeed, of the troops dishonoured themselves, by participating in these enormities.

The officers and men, in general, shewed a good disposition, and I only regret there was no opportunity of turning it to advantage.

I have the honour to be, &c.

(Signed) STIRLING.

Published by order of Congress,
CHARLES THOMSON, Sec'ry.

ELIZABETH TOWN, Jan. 16, 1780.