Sept. 7, 1779.
My Dear Sir:
I this day received your letter of the 4th, with one inclosed for Col.
Washington, which was immediately forwarded. You do not mention the
receipt of a line from me which I wrote several days since, giving you
an account of Arbuthnot’s arrival.
The current of our intelligence makes the reinforcement with him amount
to about three thousand, mostly recruits and in bad health; it is said
some preparations are making for an expedition, and there are various
conjectures about the object; some point to the Southward; perhaps
the true destination is the West Indies. But, I confess, I should not
be surprised, if the enemy should make a further and vigorous attempt
to gain possession of two or three of the Southern States. If their
affairs are so desperate with respect to alliance as we are told, the
object of the war on their side, from conquest must necessarily change
to pacification. The acquisition of two or three of the Southern States
would be a handsome counterpoise to their losses in the Islands, and
would enable them to negotiate with the more credit and success the
ensuing winter.
I am happy to have it in my power to gratify your curiosity about the
Western expedition with the inclosed agreeable account. It is the
substance of a letter from General Sullivan of the 30th, extracted
at Col. Hay’s request, for Mr. Lowdon’s paper. The facts are all
true, though you will perceive I have given it a few of the usual
embellishments of a newspaper paragraph. I have not specified the
number of Gen Sullivan’s wounded; they amount to thirty-nine, among
which are Major Titcomb and two other officers. This is a pleasing and
I hope decisive event.
In haste, but with the greatest esteem and regard,
I have the honor to be your most
Obed’t servant,
Alex. Hamilton.