George Washington Papers

To George Washington from Elias Dayton, 27 December 1781

Chatham December 27th 1781

Sir,

Enclosed is an account of their present force in New York and its dependencies, handed to me by a person who I believe is well informed.

Unluckily for me, on sunday night a party of militia from second river, crossed over to Bergen and went into a house near the fort where they made prisoners a Capt. Harding and McMichael—the former was paroled, but the latter being known and demanded by one of my officers as a deserter, is now confined in irons at this place as such. He says it will be improper for him to make his escape a second time, as it would only serve to render him suspected on the other side. I have been asked whether he could not be exchanged for Pool, Bruin, Woodruff and Blackledge, all of whom have been very serviceable to us, & are now confined in Irons, in their dungeon as criminals. I pretended to be doubtful, whether a Deserter could be exchanged on any terms; however, the proposal is made by his friends to General Clinton, whose determination upon the subject I expect to hear in two or three days.

The 37th, 40th & 42d Regiments with a detachment of nearly 1000 Hessians are embarking for Charlestown, to be convoyed by the Bedford & Prudent—the remainder of their ships are cruising to intercept a McGilliam who is expected in a frigate from Holland with a supply of cash for Congress. I have the Honor to be yr Excelys most obdent Servt

Elias Dayton

DLC: Papers of George Washington.

Enclosure

c.27 December 1781

Royal Artillery.......................300

British Grenadiers....................700

22nd Regiment.........................340

37th..................................360

38th..................................380

40th..................................180

42nd..................................500

54th...................................380

57th.................................340

3780

Barton’s..............................380

Bushirk’s.............................270

DeLancey’s............................300

K.A.D.................................140 Lt Colo: Thomson

American Legion.......................180 G. Arnolds

Loyal Foresters....................... 70

Dets. of different Corps..............300

17th Light Dragoons..................250

5670

Germans including

Cavr Jagers &c..................... 6000

11670

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