“The night before last, the city was much alarmed.  A signal had been made from one of the islands of the arrival of a ship to join the small fleet at the Hook.  Some one raised this to a large number of transports with the expected German forces; some of the Tories here had the impudence to affirm they had seen eleven sail.  When I came from the hospital to my lodging, in the evening, I found the neighborhood in confusion, the women talking of and preparing for flight.  I thought it my duty to wait on General Putnam, who at present commands here; in my way, I met Major Webb, who acquainted me with the truth of the matter.  Upon this occasion, I could not help thinking I should go to my post with much more alacrity, if I might have the pleasure of seeing you again first....

“Your affectionate husband,

“ISAAC FOSTER.”

* * * * *

The next is a short extract from a letter to his father, bearing date June 6th, 1776.  Speaking of his wife, he says:—­

“I wish she may have a pleasant journey, and arrive here in season to see the city before our enemies attack us.  We are in daily expectation of them, and tolerably prepared to receive them.  I am under no apprehension of their being able to get footing here; but if they behave with spirit, the city must suffer in the contest.”

The next is also to his father.

“New York, July 7th, 1776.

“HONORED SIR,

“It is with the greatest pleasure I embrace this opportunity of congratulating you on the most important event that has happened since the commencement of hostilities.  On Tuesday, the 2nd inst., the Honorable the Continental Congress declared the Thirteen United Colonies free and independent States.  This Declaration is to be published at Philadelphia to-morrow, with all the pomp and solemnity proper on such an occasion; and before the week is out, we hope to have the pleasure of proclaiming it to the British fleet, now riding at anchor in full view between this city and Staten Island, by a feu de joie from our musketry, and a general discharge of the cannon on our works.  This step, whatever some lukewarm would-be-thought friends or concealed enemies may think, the cruel oppression, the wanton, insatiable revenge of the British Administration, the venality of its Parliament and Electors, and the unaccountable inattention of the people of Great Britain in general to their true interest and the importance of the contest with their late Colonies, had rendered absolutely necessary for our own preservation,—­and has given great spirits to the army, as, by shutting the door against any reconciliation in the least degree connected with dependence on Great Britain, they know for what they are fighting, and are freed from the apprehension of being duped by Commissioners, after having risked their lives in the service of their country, and to secure the enjoyment of liberty to their posterity.”