treasons, yet plots multiply upon us daily, and we have
reason every moment to dread an open rebellion. We have
ordered troops to be raised but fear they will be too slow
in coming, and that we shall be under the disagreeable
necessity of asking a small and temporary aid from the
Genl; but we shall defer this till reduced to the last
extremity."

When the ships went up the river on the 9th, it was feared they had
troops on board who might make an attempt on the Highlands, whereupon
Duer wrote on the 10th:

"In this [attempt] they will undoubtedly be joined by the
villains in Westchester and Duchess County; it is therefore
of the utmost consequence that a Force should be immediately
detached from the main body of our army to occupy these
posts.... By the Influence and Artifices of the capital
tories of this State the majority of Inhabitants in those
counties are ripe for a revolt."

But with a stout heart Duer continues:

"It is our Duty, however, to struggle against the tide of
adversity, and to exert ourselves with vigour adequate to
our circumstances. This, as an Individual, I am determined
to do in the Capacity in which I am at present acting, and I
have no doubt those friends I have in the military line will
do the same. We are not to expect to purchase our Liberties
at a cheaper rate than other nations have done, or that
_our_ soldiers should be Heaven born more than those of
other nations. Experience will make us both have and win;
and in the end teach Great Britain that in attempting to
enslave us she is aiming a dagger at her own vitals."

On the 12th, before he heard of the landing at Throg's Neck, he wrote
to Tilghman:

"Notwithstanding the enemy had, agreeable to your last
advices, sent no vessels up the Sound, depend upon it, they
will endeavor to make an attack upon your Flanks by means of
Hudson's and the East River.... If General Lee is returned
from the Southward and arrived at your camp (which I suppose
to be the case) I beg my affectionate compliments to him. I
wish to Heaven I could come and see you, but I am so
embarrassed with the Committee I am engaged in that I have
not hardly an hour, much less a few days to spare. This
morning we marched off a Company of men, who had been
enlisted to join the Battalion to be rais