To George Washington from John Paterson, 15 May 1781
W. Point May 15h 1781
Dear General
I have this moment received the inclosed letters from Capt. Pray at Nyack—but have heard nothing further from Croton than what I have already transmitted. I am Dear General with every respect Your Obedient Servant
John Paterson
DLC: Papers of George Washington.
Enclosure
Block house Dobbs Ferry May 14th 1781. 12 O’Clock at Night
Dear Sir.
This afternoon about 6 o’clock we were Allarmd by the Firing of three cannon at the block house. I immediately Repair’d to this place from Nyack with the [warter] Guards, about 10. o’clock was informd that the enemy (about two hundred in Number with three pieces of cannon, [ ] [E]rrecting at Block house at Fort [ ] [wh]ich they have been talking of Some time.
There is a considerable Number of Militia collected not far from this. Am with Every Sentiment of Respect Dear sir your most Obedient and Very Humble Servt
Jno. Pray Capt.
This is all the paper I have in my Possesion.
Enclosure
Nyack May 14th 1781 12 o’Clock Night
Dear Sir.
Since I wrote at the block house I came up with part of my men to this place, and an Express Just informs me that there is 15. Saile of Shiping and twenty flat bottom boats lays off of [For]t Lee. Tis expected that the [block h]ouse is their Object.
I have two boats on the River Just below the block house which I expect will give an Allarm every moment. am Dear sir your Obedt Servt
Jno. Pray Capt.