“How many were lost upon the Island is yet uncertain, some say we have 700 missing and that we have killed twice as many of the enemy, tho I believe it is but guess work as yet.
“Generals Sullivan and Stirling who are missing are said to be prisoners, it is also said general Grant on the other side is killed, they talk of another General of theirs Killed.
“It is reported that Col. Atly is wounded and a prisoner. Think it likely that our people will burn New York, and retreat into the chain of Forts which are above it—when that is done am in hopes our Enemies will get no farther. Poor Long Island! I know not what will become of my Relations there. May God help them. They are left to the mercy of our Cruel Enemy.
“Our men are in high spirits and I trust we shall, thro’ ye help of God soon break the power of our Foes.
“My Love to the Girls, my little son, and the Neighbors. Remember me to Elsy and the boys—and accept yourself the best affections of your....
“John Woodhull.”
[(104)] Abraham Woodhull meets with the inhabitants.
November 23, 1778.
Sir. The enclosed will explain to you a meeting of the inhabitants, at which I was present, and with satisfaction beheld their dijected countenances. The Commissioners sales this day in the Roebuck, it is sd. Lord Cornwallace is a going with them. The second division under Brig. Genl. Cambell that have laid some time at Sandy Hook, on the account D’Estaing sailing consisting of about three thousand troops, are to sail this day. Two ships with Troops drove to sea in a violent gale of wind from the northward about the 10th inst. and have not been heard of since. A friget sent yesterday with all expedition to Rhode Island said for transports, The Bedford in the Harbour lost her fore and Missen Mast, is to go home under Jurey Masts with expedition. She was one of four in A. Byron’s fleet that was missing after the gale of wind the beginning of the month. With her came in the Richmond Friget dismasted. The cannon and field pieces are removed from the common to Fort George. Some of the cannon on that Fort and the Battery near it are put as ballace on board several transports, on the 19th Inst. Some Capital Merchants were very buisy the day and night following in packing and putting their goods on board ships. The whole of the Kings Troops on York Island includeing out posts, doth not exceed three thousand five hundred men, and not much to be feared from the inhabitants. The whole City seaged with a Panike and a general dissatisfaction taken place.
[(105)] Woodhull’s longest letter.