On the 7th the fleet was stationed between Reed Huck and Governeurs Island nearer to New York, and the baggage of the Hessian corps, remaining for the chief part on board was loaded upon one transport for the greater convenience of each regiment, whereby there was a great relief from the repeated sending, frequently in vain for want of boats. The Brocklands-Leinen was to be demolished, but on the representation of General von Heister, that this could not be done by soldiers without compensation, especially as it would be the work of four weeks, General Howe recalled this order....
Many subjects are returning to the legitimate authority, and on Long Island the villages of Grevesand, New Utrecht, Flattbusch, Brockland and Ferry are filled with the fugitive settlers, most of whom however find their dwellings empty, furniture smashed, not a window left whole and their cattle gone forever....
I am to present the compliments of General von Heister. Colonel George Orboune, our Muster-Commissioner has already reviewed us. Major-Gen. Mirbach has had an attack of apoplexy, but he expects to recover; but Major-General Stirn and Col. von Hering are more sick.
With the greatest respect
(Signed) Baurmeister.
In the Detached Camp, at Helgatte, Sept. 24, 1776.
[Magazine of American History, N.Y., January, 1877. Original in the possession of Hon. George Bancroft.]
[No. 34.]
COLONEL JOHN CHESTER TO JOSEPH WEBB
WEATHERSFIELD, CONN.
From the Old House at ye Manor of Fordham,
Oct. 3d, 76.