Head Quarters, Nov. 8, 1778.
Dear Sir:
I have received your favor of the 4th, and shall with pleasure
communicate the intelligence we have had at Head Quarters. On the
morning of the third one hundred and eight sail of vessels sailed out
of the Hook,--supposed, from the best calculations, to contain seven or
eight thousand men. They first steered to the eastward, but soon after
changed their course and bore S. E. with the wind at N. W. The general
accounts from New-York speak of three distinct embarkations--one for
the West Indies--another for Halifax--another for St. Augustine. One
division, which seems to be best ascertained, contains ten or twelve
British regiments, and most of the new levies, which probably went in
the above-mentioned fleet.
This much is pretty certain, that the embarkation has continued since
the departure of that fleet, which is a strong circumstance in favor
of a general evacuation. All their vessels the least out of repair
are drawn up to the different ship-yards, and their repairs are going
on with all possible vigor. Whether the merchants are packing up or
not, is a point still much _in dubio_; though we have several accounts
that look like it, but they are not so precise and certain as could
be wished. Several bales of goods have been seen on the wharves,
marked for particular ships. A deserter, indeed, lately from the city,
insists that he saw Coffin and Anderson packing up. This, if true,
would be decisive, for this is a very considerable house particularly
attached to the army. One of our spies, a trusty one too, writes the
31st of October that the principal part of the sick from the hospitals
had embarked; but this stands almost wholly upon its own bottom. The
capture of Jamaica seems to be a mere rumor. There are several others,
respecting St. Kitts, Monserat, and Grenada. The two former are
said to have been taken by surprise on a temporary absence of their
guard-ships, but these stories were not improbably suggested by a late
sudden and very considerable rise in the prices of rum and molasses.
The former being as high as fourteen or fifteen shillings per gallon.
Large purchases have been made of these articles as sea stores for the
troops, and the speculators in the city have been bidding against the
Commissaries, which better accounts for the increased prices.
It is a question very undecided in my mind whether the enemy
will evacuate or not. Reasoning _a priori_, the arguments seem
to be strongest for it--from the exhausted state of the British
resources--the naked condition of their dominions every where--and the
possibility of a Spanish war. But on the other hand naval superiority
must do a great deal in the business. This, I think, considering all
things, appears clearly enough to be on the side of Britain. The
sluggishness of Spain affords room to doubt her taking a decisive
part. The preserving posts in these States will greatly distress our
trade, and give security to the British West India trade. They will
also cover the West Indies, and restrain any operations of ours against
the British dominions on the continent. These considerations, and
the depreciated state of our currency, will be strong inducements to
keep New-York and Rhode Island, if not with a view to conquest, with
a view to temporary advantages, and making better terms in a future
negotiation.
From appearances, the great delay which attends the embarkation, the
absolute tranquillity of the post at Rhode Island, where there is no
kind of preparation for leaving it, and some other circumstances,
seem to indicate an intention to remain. On the other hand, besides
the general appearances I have already mentioned, their inattention
to the petition of the refugees, and the not raising new works, are
strong additional reasons for going away. I think it most probable,
if they were determined to continue a garrison, that they would give
most explicit assurances to their friends, in order to encourage their
proposal, and engage them to aid in maintaining it. I think also they
would contract their works, to be better proportioned to the number of
the garrison, and of course more defensible, by throwing a chain of
fortifications across the narrow part of the island.
Nothing has yet been decided, that we know of, with respect to the
sentences you mention. General Lee’s case, by our last advices, was on
the eve of a final decision. It seems he has made a strong party in
Congress, and is very confident of having the sentence annulled. St.
Clair’s trial was ordered to be printed for the separate consideration
of the members.
The depreciation of our currency really casts a gloom on our prospects,
but my sentiments on this subject are rather peculiar. I think, bad
as it is, it will continue to draw out the resources of the country a
good while longer, and especially if the enemy make such detachments,
of which there is hardly a doubt, as will oblige them to act on the
defensive. This will make our public expenditures infinitely less--and
will allow the States leisure to attend to the arrangements of their
finances, as well as the country tranquillity to cultivate its
resources.
Any letters that may come to Head Quarters for you will be carefully
forwarded.
I am, with the most respectful attachment,
Dear Sir, your obed’t servant,
A. Hamilton.