The Enemy made an attempt to surprise General Lincoln.1 This morning they advanced by three divisions. One crossed the Rarotan about a mile above Head Quarters—the second division came up in front of the Town—the third to the left of the Town and crossed the River cald Boundbrook. Besides these three divisions there was a Corps of de reservs commanded by General Mathews.2

The Padroles and Guards posted by General Lincoln were negligent or else the Tories—who are perfectly acquainted with the ground brought the Columns in between the Padroles and Guards. Which of the two was the cause of the surprise or whether they both concurd to produce it, I cant tell. The General had but Just time to draw off the Troops from between the heads of their two flank Columns—which kept up a warm fire as our people past between them. Our Artillery consisting of three, three pounders and the Ammunition belonging to them fell into the Enemies hands and most of the men were made Prisoners belonging to the Artillery and two of the Officers.3 There was about 20 Artillery men made Prisoners and about forty Battallion men kild wounded and missing. General Lincoln had one Aid de Camp made Prisoner and lost almost all his Papers. This is a great misfortune as it will inform the Enemy of many disagreeable circumstances. The Enemy were supposd to be between four and five thousand strong at least. General Lincoln had about five hundred Continental and militia Troops. The Action began about five oClock, the Enemies loss must be considerable. Col Butler4 with about three hundred excellent Marksmen had a good fire upon one of the Heads of their Columns for a considerable time. I am posted at Baskinridge about 12 miles from this place. The Enemy had Evacuated the Town before I got here. They held it about an hour.

It is difficult to ascertain with Precision the Designs of the Enemy: But by the best Intelligence We can obtain their Malice and Revenge against New England, is implacable.

Their Intentions, most probably, are, to come over the Lakes and enter N. England by that Way, to attack it by the Way of Rhode Island, and also by the Way of the North or the East River. An Armament, may possibly be destined to Cheasapeak Bay by Way of Diversion.

The Surest Way to defend New England is, to send along all your continental Troops to their Destinations at Fish kill and Ti.

Congress have this day passed a Resolution in the Offensive Stile.2 The Character of New England, is concerned in the Execution of it. I hope in God, that little Banditti of the Halt and blind in Rhode Island will be destroyed in all Events. If it costs us Thousands of Lives it ought to be done. But I believe by an Expedition prudently conducted, they may be driven off or made Prisoners without any considerable Loss.3 I am sir with great Respect your most obt. Svt