pleased myself with the prospect of seeing you, and many other gentlemen of my acquaintance from Virginia, in camp. As you had got to Philadelphia, I do not think the saving or difference of expense, (taking up the matter even upon that ground, which, under present circumstances, I think a very erroneous one,) was by any means an object suited to the occasion.*

The arrival of the French fleet upon the coast of America is a great and striking event; but the operations of it have been injured by a number of unforeseen and unfavorable circumstances, which, though they ought not to detract from the merit and good intention of our great ally, have nevertheless lessened the importance of its services in a great degree. The length of the passage, in the first instance, was a capital misfortune; for had even one of common length taken place, Lord Howe, with the British ships of war and all the transports in the river Delaware, must inevitably have fallen, and Sir Henry must have had better luck, than is commonly dispensed to men of his profession under such circumstances, if he and his troops had not shared at least the fate of Burgoyne. The long passage of Count d'Estaing was succeeded by an unfavorable discovery at the Hook, which hurt us in two respects; first, in a defeat of the enterprise upon New York, and the shipping and troops at that place; and, next, in the delay occasioned in ascertaining the depth

* Congress had passed a resolve on the 2d of March, recommending to the young men of property and spirit in several of the states to form themselves into volunteer troops of light cavalry, to serve at their own expense, except in the articles of provisions and forage, and to join the main army. General Nelson had accordingly come forward with a troop of this description from Virginia to Philadelphia. Congress thanked them for their "brave, generous, and patriotic efforts in the cause of their country;" but the retreat of the enemy to New York had rendered their services unnecessary, and it was recommended to them to return. -Journals, August 8th.

of water over the bar, which was essential to their entrance into the harbour of New York. And, moreover, after the enterprise upon Rhode Island had been planned, and was in the moment of execution, that Lord Howe with the British ships should interpose merely to create a diversion and draw the French fleet from the Island was again unlucky, as the Count had not returned on the 17th to the Island, though drawn off from it on the 10th; by which means the land operations were retarded, and the whole subjected to a miscarriage in case of the arrival of Byron's squad

ron.

I do not know what to make of the enemy at New York. Whether their stay at that place is the result of choice, or the effect of necessity proceeding from an inferiority in the fleet, want of provisions, or other causes, I know not. But certain it is, that, if it is not an act of necessity, it is profoundly mysterious, unless they look for considerable reinforcements, and are waiting the arrival of them to commence their operations. Time will show.

It is not a little pleasing, nor less wonderful to contemplate, that after two years' manoeuvring and undergoing the strangest vicissitudes, that perhaps ever attended any one contest since the creation, both armies are brought back to the very point they set out from, and that the offending party at the beginning is now reduced to the use of the spade and pickaxe for defence. The hand of Providence has been so conspicuous in all this, that he must be worse than an infidel that lacks faith, and more than wicked, that has not gratitude enough to acknowledge his obligations. But it will be time enough for me to turn preacher, when my present appointment ceases; and therefore I shall add no more on the doctrine of Providence ;

but make a tender of my best respects to your good lady, the secretary, and other friends, and assure you, that, with the most perfect regard, I am, dear Sir, &c.

TO MAJOR-GENERAL GREENE.

DEAR SIR,

Camp, White Plains, 21 August, 1778.

On Wednesday afternoon I received your favor of the 12th instant by Mr. Hulett, the pilot, who did not arrive at camp till then. I am much obliged by your particular relation of matters, and request that you will continue it from time to time, whenever opportunity will permit. There is one circumstance in your relation, which I was exceedingly sorry to hear.* You will readily know which it is. I wish the utmost harmony to prevail, as it is essential to success; and that no occasions may be omitted on your part to cultivate it.

Your operations have been greatly retarded by the late violent storm; but, as it is now over, I trust things will go on prosperously, and that you will be rejoined by Count d'Estaing, who has been kept out so long by it. Indeed, from General Sullivan's letter of the 17th, I flatter myself you will have made a complete reduction of the enemy's force before this reaches you, and that the next advices I receive will announce it. If the fact is otherwise, let me beseech you to guard against sorties and surprises. The enemy, depend upon it, will fall like a strong man, will make many sallies, and endeavour to possess themselves of or

* Alluding to the differences that had begun to prevail between the American and French officers.

VOL. VI.

D

destroy your artillery; and, should they once put the militia into confusion, the consequences may be fatal.

By a letter, which I received yesterday from General Maxwell, enclosing one from Major Howell, whom I have stationed at Black Point for the purpose of observation, it appears certain, that sixteen of Lord Howe's fleet entered the Hook on the 17th; that on that and the preceding day there had been heard severe cannonades at sea, and that it was reported in New York, that a sixty-four gun ship and several transports had been taken by the French squadron. I wish the fact may be so, as to the capture, and that the Count may be with you to give you a narrative of it himself. I cannot learn that Admiral Byron is arrived, nor do I believe that he is. As Major Blodget is in a hurry to proceed, I have not time to add more, than to assure you that I am, with the most perfect esteem and regard, dear Sir, &c.

TO LIEUTENANT-COLONEL WILLIAM BUTLER.

SIR,

Head-Quarters, White Plains, 24 August, 1778.

I received yours of the 13th instant dated at Schoharie, giving me an account of events in that quarter since your arrival there. I am very glad to hear of the success of your two scouting parties; and I hope that these checks, though small, and the appearance of a force upon the frontier, will give spirit to our friends, discourage the disaffected, and establish the confidence and friendship of those, who have been frightened or deluded. I have desired General Stark not to send any officer of superior rank to interfere with you in command, as I have great reliance upon your activity

and skill in conducting such an expedition as that, which you are now upon. The enclosed were sent here by some of your friends to be forwarded.

I am, Sir, &c.*

TO THE PRESIDENT OF CONGRESS.

White Plains, 25 August, 1778.

SIR,

If it be practicable and convenient for Congress to furnish me with some specie (gold, as more portable, would be most convenient), valuable purposes I think would result from it. I have always found a difficulty in procuring intelligence by the means of paper money, and I perceive that it increases. The period is critical and interesting, and the early knowledge of an enemy's intention and movements too obvious to need explanation. Having hinted to the committee of Congress when at Valley Forge this want, I address this letter to you now, rather as a private than public one; because I do not wish to have the matter again mentioned, if Congress have been apprized of my wants, and find it inconvenient to comply with them. I have the pleasure to inform you, that Colonel Laurens was well on the 23d. I have had a letter from him of that date. With great respect and regard, I have the honor to be, dear Sir, &c.

* Colonel Butler had been sent a few weeks before to the frontiers, where the Indians and Tories were committing depredations. General Washington, in writing soon afterwards to General Stark, who then commanded at Albany, said, "When I sent up Lieutenant-Colonel Butler, with his own regiment and a detachment from Morgan's, I intended he should take the command of all the troops employed upon that service, provided it did not require a general officer. He is not only a very brave, but an experienced officer, especially for such an expedition."