the windows, the jar of the house, the continual roar of twenty-four pounders, and the bursting of shells, give us such ideas, and realize a scene to us of which we could form scarcely any conception. About six, this morning, there was quiet. I rejoiced in a few hours calm. I hear we got possession of Dorchester hill last night ; four thousand men upon it to-day ; lost but one man. The ships are all drawn round the town. To-night we shall realize a more terrible scene still. I sometimes think I cannot stand it. I wish myself with you, out of hearing, as I cannot assist them. I hope to give you joy of Boston, even if it is in ruins, before I send this away. I am too much agitated to write as I ought, and languid for want of rest.
Charles Francis Adams, editor, Letters of Mrs. Adams (Boston, 1840), I, 39-90 passim.
193. Abandonment of New York (1776)
Clinton was a New York man, later vice-president of the United States. — Bibliography of the Long Island and New York campaign : Winsor, Narrative and Critical History, VI, 315-317; James Grant Wilson, Memorial History of New York, II, 515-517; Channing and Hart, Guide, § 138.
King's Bridge, September 18, 1776. . . .
ABOUT the middle of last week it was determined, for many reasons, to evacuate the City of New-York ; and accordingly, orders were given for removing the ordnance, military, and other stores from thence, which, by Sunday morning was nearly effected. On Saturday, four of the enemy's large ships passed by the city up the North River, and anchored near 'Grenage, and about as many up the East River, which anchored in Turtle Bay ; and from the movements of the enemy on Long-Island and the small Islands in the East River, we had great reason to apprehend they intended to make a landing, and attack our lines somewhere near the city. Our army for some days had been moving upwards this way, and encamping on the heights, southwest of Colonel Morris's, where we intended to form lines, and make our grand stand. On Sunday morning the enemy landed a very considerable body of troops, principally consisting of their Light Infantry and Grenadiers, near Turtle Bay, under cover of a very heavy cannonade from their shipping. Our lines were but thinly manned, as they were then intended
