1. Alexander Hamilton’s letter to Gates of this date reads: “His Excellency commands me to inform you, that he has received advice, that the enemy, who had made a debarkation at Bedford [Mass.], after burning the little town, had reimbarked their troops and were hovering about the Coast He does not think it expedient that you shou’d advance too far from the army and therefore desires, that you will halt near Bedford [N.Y.] ’till you hear further from him” (NHi: Gates Papers). Another letter of this date, from GW to Gates, conveys similar orders: “From intelligence this moment come to hand, I think it prudent that the Troops under your Command should halt, I have therefore to desire that you will encamp whereever this may meet you, and there wait until you recieve further orders” (LS, NHi: Gates Papers).