Letter from Ebenezer Hazard to General Gates

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New York, July 5, 1776.

DEAR SIR: Being in the midst of hurry, I can write but little at present.

Since my last, the British fleet has arrived. About seventy sail are within the Narrows, at the watering-place, under Staten Island shore. They have landed their men, and taken possession of Staten Island, cattle, and Tories, and that I hope will be all they will do. Our people on the Jersey shore have severely punished a tender for her temerity in going up the Kills, but as she got on shore on Staten Island, they could not take her. A captain and five men got into a boat, and went in quest of a boat which had drifted away. They came too near our shore; our riflemen ordered them ashore. They obeyed the summons, and are in salva custodia in this city.

It was last night reported at the coffee-house, (and I believe the report may be depended on,) that the Congress had determined on a Declaration of Independence, and that the vote was unanimous, except New York, whose Delegates, not being instructed, could not vote.

Our new Convention meets next Monday, and I think will doubtless concur with the other Colonies. The Philadelphia post is not yet come in; but I will keep my letter unsealed, that if he brings anything, I may add it. Enclosed is a letter from Gordon. Please to tell Major Pierce I received the letter he wrote me from Albany, and have forwarded the enclosed, per post, which went a few hours after I received his.

The Philadelphia post is come in; am so hurried, I can' t read my letters or the papers, but send you a newspaper.

Adieu,
EBENEZER HAZARD.