1777

October 27, 1777 New York Gazette and Weekly Mercury (New York, N. Y.)
 Extract of a Letter from Esopus, dated October 16.
On Monday evening we sailed from Fort Montgomery, having first entirely demolished it, and blown up the Magazine; we got up that Night near Pollepel's Island, where we came to an Anchor below the Chevaux de Frize; next Morning, Wind S. W. we weighed, and got through the Chevaux de Firse, and proceeded up the River.  The Towns of New-Windson and Newburgh appeared totally deserted by the inhabitants; four Sloops set Sail from Fishkills, but were soon overhauled and taken by one of the Gun-boats, when opposite Poughkeepsie; the Rebels kept up a continual Fire from the Shore, without doing any Damage; which was answered by the Shipping.  We anchored that Night five Miles from Esopus, and Yesterday Morning a severe Cannonade began between the Shipping in Front, and a Row Galley, and two Batteries the Rebels had erected on Shore.  In the Afternoon the Troops landed, and took and set fire to the Batteries and Town of Esopus, with the Loss of only two Men wounded.  Many Vessels were burnt in the River and Esopus Creek, besides some Stores, a Mill, &c.