Alexander Hamilton to Horatio Gates, September 8, 1778

[White Plains, New York, September 8, 1778]

Sir,

His Excellency desires me to inform you that having received information of the enemy’s being out advanced this side of Wards House, 2 He thought it prudent to put the troops quietly under arms and has sent orders to the several Brigades for this purpose. This is the second note, I have written, the first the horsemen lost.

I am Sir   Yr. most Obed servant

Alex Hamilton   Aide De Camp