To George Washington from Elias Dayton, 27 December 1781

Enclosed is an account of their present force in New York and its dependencies, handed to me by a person who I believe is well informed.

Unluckily for me, on sunday night a party of militia from second river, crossed over to Bergen and went into a house near the fort where they made prisoners a Capt. Harding and McMichael—the former was paroled, but the latter being known and demanded by one of my officers as a deserter, is now confined in irons at this place as such. He says it will be improper for him to make his escape a second time, as it would only serve to render him suspected on the other side. I have been asked whether he could not be exchanged for Pool, Bruin, Woodruff and Blackledge, all of whom have been very serviceable to us, & are now confined in Irons, in their dungeon as criminals. I pretended to be doubtful, whether a Deserter could be exchanged on any terms; however, the proposal is made by his friends to General Clinton, whose determination upon the subject I expect to hear in two or three days.

The 37th, 40th & 42d Regiments with a detachment of nearly 1000 Hessians are embarking for Charlestown, to be convoyed by the Bedford & Prudent—the remainder of their ships are cruising to intercept a McGilliam who is expected in a frigate from Holland with a supply of cash for Congress. I have the Honor to be yr Excelys most obdent Servt