Frederick Jay to John Jay, 27 August 1776

[Rye 27 th Aug st . 1776]

Dear John

It is with great Difficulty that we can get the Militia together & many of them without either Arms or Amunition–€”I think it necessary to apply to Congress for Cap t . Sam. Townsends Company now at Kings bridge & as many more men as the Congress thinks necessary to guard the Coast–€” 1 last Night (before we had any Information of the Men of War) Severall Canoes went off from this place–€”Pray attend to this business. Send us a supply of men & we will then bid defiance to the Sheep Stealers. I am &c. &c. in haste.

Fred. Jay

P.S. if the Militia should be obliged to attend for any time it will be of great Damage to the Country & therefore request that a sufficient Number of Continental troops should be sent to guard the Coast–€”