George Walton to George Washington

Mr Randolph, who came last night from some expedition towards Black-point, informs me, that, at different times within these few days, he saw three several persons who were directly out of New-York; and who all agreed in this, That there were but very few troops in the city, and that patrol duty was performed by the inhabitants in rotation; That there have been many secret movements in the night-time of stores and heavy artillery, and that, on Tuesday last six heavy pieces of Artillery were carried from New-York over to Staten Island down opposite to Perth-Amboy. These, no doubt, are intended to cover a Retreat that way, if they should be necessitated to make one.

I have not troubled your Excellency with this trifling intelligence with any view of its being materially useful to you: but as good information in war is as the optics of man, the most trifling may sometimes be of advantage.

I wish you health, and am, with great respect, Sir, Your Most Obedient Servant,

Geo Walton