Sir. I came from Long Island this after noon but have got no Dispaches. Culper has been down to New York. I waited till this morning and he was to send them by two oclock, but before he sent them I was attacked by Glover and Hoyght. I left one man taken and one wounded. We killed one on the spot. The man that was taken went after water. I shall want two men before I come across again. I have got two boats in fine order. I wish you send me seven men and I engage to take some of their boats. Mister Muirson will give you a particular account of our cruse. Austin told me that Sir Henry Clinton went down to the east end of the Island on the sixteenth. Don’t fail to let me have two crews if you can of Continental soldiers. With respect, your friend and humble servant,
Caleb Brewster.
Through Major Tallmadge General Washington answered the above from Headquarters at Orange Town, August 21, 1780, as follows:
Dear Sir. I recd. yours of yesterday morning last evening. It is unfortunate that Lt. B—— could not bring off C—— Junr’s dispatches, as I imagine they were of consequence. You will therefore endeavour to procure them as soon as possible.
I have information from another quarter, that Sir Henry Clinton had gone towards the East end of Long Island, and that the troops at Whitestone are again embarking. Should the last piece of intelligence reach you, well authenticated, you will be pleased to transmit it immediately to Genl. Heath at Newport, as well as to me, as you will always do anything which seems to interest the French Army and Navy.
If there are any other Continental Crews upon the Sound besides those under Lt. Brewster’s directions, they are there without my knowledge. You will therefore desire him in my name to take what hands he wants from them, and to report who the others are and what business they are upon. I am Dear Sir, yr. most obt. Sert.
Go: Washington.
Brewster was roused to action. Therefore without waiting to hear from the General or Major he again crossed to Long Island, as his letter following shows:
Fairfield, Aug. 21, 1780.
Dear Sir. I this morning came from the Island. I got three boats last Saturday night and went over in search of Glover and Hoyght, but could hear nothing of them. They never stayed to bury their dead man. They carried another away with them mortally wounded. Setauket is full of troops. It is thought they are going eastward. Austin came to me yesterday and told me I had best not come on till the middle of next week as the troops is so thick in Town and marching eastward. I wrote to you the eighteenth instant which I expect has come to hand. Skinner is so he will be able to do duty soon as he will be wanted. I heard nothing from Culper this time. I should been back the next time had not the wind been so high. There was a small fleet of large ships went to the Westward this morning. Capt. Jarvis supplied me with men this time to cross. I shall want one man to make up my crew for one boat and should be exceeding glad of five more to man the other boat for the cussed refugees are so thick I cant go amiss of them....