On the morning of the 13th instant lieutenant Deforest of the Connecticut line, who had been detached by major-general Parsons, with twenty-five regular troops and captain Lockwood of the militia with fifteen volunteers, including lieutenants Hull and Mead of the Connecticut state troops, formed a design of boarding a sloop of ten carriage guns then at anchor in East Chester bay, and having taken a small sloop of about 30 tons in East Chester creek, they embarked and fell down the creek to the bay. Upon being hailed by the sloop, they answered, that the rebel boats were down, and they had pushed out of the creek to anchor under their protection—With this deception they laid her on board, but found themselves disappointed in the strength of the vessel, her nettings being almost twelve feet above the gunnel. Here the assailants prevailed, after four minutes, conflict with bayonets and lances only—They cut the nettings so as to admit one man to enter. lieutenant Mead boarded (and received a wound supposed to be mortal)—he was followed by the rest, who in a short time carried the vessel. She had twenty-five men on board, at the same time a part of the detachment made after the wood-fleet, six of whom were taken. The vessels were brought to Stamford. About forty prisoners were taken, twenty-five of whom are soldiers. We had none killed—lieutenant Mead and three men wounded, the former dangerously. The enemy had none killed—the captain of the armed sloop and four men were badly wounded. This enterprise was conducted with much address and great gallantry.

The enclosed papers from major-general Parsons are transmitted to your Excellency for your order thereon. It appears part of the officers, refered to by the board of war, have not given their answers.

The board of war have suspend a general distribution of clothing to this army until your Excellency’s directions are given for the purpose. The distressed situation of the troops urge a distribution as soon as possible. There are in the store at Newburgh, about 3300 suits of the british clothing, which has been, except some suits for the invalids, dyed brown. For the purpose of uniformity, I think it will be best that these should be issued to entire regiments, giving equal proportion to the troops of each state, who are to receive clothing. I however submit it to your Excellency’s determination. I have ordered taylor’s shops to be prepared at each regiment, for the purpose of making up the clothing when the materials arrive. I have the honor to be With the highest respect, Your Excellency’s Most obedient servant.