From Colonel John Cadwalader to George Washington

Sir Crosswix [NJ] 31st Decr 1776

A very intelligent young Gentleman is returned, just now, from Prince Town - he left this yesterday Morng & got in about 12 or 1 O'Clock - He would have returned last Night but General Lesley, who commands, & Col: Abercombie would not suffer hm to go off - He made his Escape this Morng early, & informs, - that from the best Information he could get, there were about 5000 men - consisting of Hessians & British Troops - about the same Number of each - I have made a rough Draught of the Road from this place; The Situation of the Canon & Works begun & those intended this Morng - He thinks there are not so many as they report - He conversed with some of the offic[e]rs & lodged last Night with them (americans) - They enquired what were our Numbers; he mentioned abt 16000, from the best accts - they did not beleive we had more than 5 or 6000 - that many were forced into the Service, & that they were deserting in great Numbers every day - No Sentries on the back or East Side of the Town - They parade every Morng an hour before day - and some Nights lie on their Arms - an Attack has been expected for several Nights past - the men much fatigued, &, till last Night, in want of Provisions - when a very considerable number of Waggons arrived with Provisions from Brunswick - All their Baggage sent to Brunswick, where there are but few men - This confirms the Acct I sent you last Night - About 50 light Horse at Prince Town, one half quartered at Scudders Mill, the other on the West of the Town - He enquird if any Troops were on the Road - they say there are none on this Side Brunswick - Some Hessians arrived yesterday (tis said from Brunswic) - I suppose they were those that landed at South Amboy, as I cannot hear any thing of them in this neighbourhood.

A Party of our light Horse brought in this Morng to Cranberry, about 30 Cattle, left by the Hessians - in general, poor - I recd your Letter last Night, by Express[.] Our Spy was near the Party of Chasseurs, when they were taken, & says an Assistant Qr master Gen: or Commissary was with them - The Enemy had heard it - Major Mifflin is just setting off with a Party of 200 from Cumberland. I am, Sir, with great Respect, Your Excellencys most obt hble Servt

John Cadwalader