“The enemy will endeavor to intimidate us by show and appearance; but remember how they have been repulsed on these occasions by a few brave Americans.  Their cause is bad, their men are conscious of it, and, if opposed with firmness and coolness at their first onset, with our advantages of works and knowledge of the ground, the victory is most assuredly ours.  Every good soldier will be silent and attentive, wait for orders, and reserve his fire till he is sure of its doing execution;—­the officers to be particularly careful of this.  The colonels and commanding officers of regiments are to see their supernumerary officers so posted as to keep their men to their duty; and it may not be amiss for the troops to know, that, if any infamous rascal shall attempt to skulk, hide himself, or retreat from the enemy without the orders of his commanding officers, he will instantly be shot down as an example of cowardice.  On the other hand, the General solemnly promises that he will reward those who shall distinguish themselves by brave and noble actions; and he desires every officer to be attentive to this particular, that such men may be afterwards suitably noticed.”

“Head-Quarters, August 15, 1776.

“The General also flatters himself that every man’s mind and arms are now prepared for the glorious contest upon which so much depends.

“The time is too precious, nor does the General think it necessary, to spend it in exhorting his brave countrymen and fellow-soldiers to behave like men fighting for everything that can be dear to free-men.  We must resolve to conquer or die.  With this resolution, victory and success certainly will attend us.  There will then be a glorious issue to this campaign, and the General will reward his brave soldiers with every indulgence in his power.”

“New York, August 16, 1776.

“HONORED SIR,

“It is now past ten o’clock, and Mr. Adams, who favors me by carrying this, sets out by five o’clock to-morrow morning, so that I have only time to acknowledge the favors received by Dr. Welch.  If I survive the grand attack hourly expected, or if it is delayed until then, I will write again by next post.  Polly has her things packed up; the chaise can be ready at a minute’s warning; if the wind favors our enemies, it is probable she will breakfast out of the way of danger.  To-morrow is watched for by our army in general with eager expectation of confirming the independence of the American States.  All the Ministerial force from every part of America except Canada, with the mercenaries from Europe, being collected for this attempt, God only knows the event.  To His protection I commend myself, earnestly praying that in this glorious contest I may not disgrace the place of my nativity, nor, after it is over, be ashamed to see my wife, my children, and my parents again.  To the care of Providence, and, under that, to you, honored Sir, with our other friends, I commend all that is near and dear to me, and am, with duty to mother, love to the children, &c., &c.,