There being several strong fortifications in and about King's Bridge, if the enemy should throw in a thousand or fifteen hundred men, they could cut off our communication effectually; and, as the state of the barracks is, they would find exceeding good cover for the men. But if we were to take the barracks down, if the boards were not removed, it would, in a great measure, deprive them of that advantage. However, I have not had it in my power to do either as yet.

Letter to George Washington (24 October 1776)