Long Island 27 August 1776 7 p.m.
Dear Kitty:
Part of the enemy landed on the Island on the 22nd. they did not advance farther than Flatbush until last night—I have had a fatiguing time of it ever since—A number of our troops have been hemned in, but behaved well. Many have got clear and many are yet missing. Our Pennsylvanians were chiefly of the party.
I escaped my part only by being relieved at 2 o'clock this morning—Major Burd and Col. Atlee were out and are yet missing. Jessy and Jacky are yet with me
Adieu—May God preserve you
prays
Your affectionate
Edward Hand.
Mrs. Katherine Hand
Lancaster Pa.
[Original in possession of Mrs. S.B. Rogers, Lancaster, Penn.]