To Benjamin Franklin from George Ross, 18 August 1776
From George Ross1
ALS: American Philosophical Society
New York 18th. Augt: 1776
Dear Sir
The Phenix and Rose have Just now passed our Batterys and I fear without much damage. I was in one of the Batterys during the whole time they were within gun shot. The visit they had two nights agoe from our fire ships made them sick of their Station and they have now Joind the fleet at the Narrows.2 Every countenance here is chearfull and if our Enemies dare attack they will undoubtedly procure themselves a severe drubbing. My complyments to friends. I am Sir Your very Humble Servant
Geo: Ross
Addressed: For / The Honble Docr: Benjn: Franklin / Philada:
1. On Aug. 10 the Pa. convention had ordered the colonels of associators, Ross among them, to join the N.J. flying camp with their men. Force, 5 Amer. Arch., II, 19. Ross was also one of the commissioners for setting up the camp; see the convention’s order to him above, Aug. 12.
2. The two ships were detached on the 15th to reconnoitre up the river, and fireships attacked them unsuccessfully on the night of the 16th. On the 18th they returned under heavy fire but were virtually undamaged. Naval Docs., VI, 206–8, 225–7.