The Campaign of 1776 around New York and Brooklyn / Including a new and circumstantial account of the battle of Long island and the loss of New York, with a review of events to the close of the year

by Henry Phelps Johnston

Morning Orders, Aug. 6, 1776.

Commanding Officers of fortifications are requested to pay particular attention to y^e provisions lodged at each alarm post for the support of the troops in case of seige, and also that y^e water casks & cisterns are filled & when the water is bad to have it pumped out & fresh water put in.

Aug. 6, 1776.

By a deserter from Sir Peter Parker's fleet we learn that the Hessians, from England, & Clinton's troops from S. Carolina are arrived & that the enemy meditate an attack on this Island & the city of New York. The Gen^l. wishes to have the troops provided with every thing necessary to give them a proper reception. Cap^s. are directed to examine the arms of their co^s. immediately.

Aug. 8, 1776.

A sub. & 20 men to parade immediately to march to Jamaica. Let the men be decently dressed, & the officers keep them from offering insolence or abuse to any person. They are to escort & assist L^t. Skinner & wait there for his directions.

Aug. 9, 1776.

A report from Col. Hand mentions a large number of regulars drawn up at Staten Island Ferry, & boats to embark in. No officer or soldier to stir from his quarters that we may be ready to march at a moment's warning if necessary.

Aug. 16, 1776.

Col. Smith (L.I. militia) to app^t an Adj^t., Q.M. & Serj^t Maj. & Q. M^r. Serj^t to his reg^t., & to have the troops in his reg^t not on duty exercised daily in learning the necessary manœuvres and evolutions.