The execution of this determination, however, was difficult and dangerous.

The defence of New York, against an enemy commanding the sea, requires an army capable of meeting him in the open field, and of acting offensively both on Long and York Islands.

Congress had not adopted measures which might raise such an army.

The Commander-in-chief, in his letters to that body, had long and earnestly urged the policy of bringing the whole strength of the country into regular operation.

The government was not inattentive to his remonstrances; but many circumstances combined to prevent such a military establishment as the exigency required.
The congress which assembled in 1775 had adjourned with strong hopes that the differences between the Mother Country and the Colonies would soon be adjusted to their mutual satisfaction.