Philadelphia, 23d October, 1779.
Sir:
Your favor of the 18th instant from Lewistown, came duly to hand, and
in consequence of your request, expresses have been stationed at proper
distances on the road between this and Lewistown.
Yours of the 19th from Egg Harbor, came to hand at half-past two, and
yours of the 22d instant, from Col. Westcoat’s, came to hand at three
o’clock this afternoon.
I shall only observe in answer to your last note, which came unsealed,
that you have met with no delays from me, since your arrival in this
city from His Excellency’s head quarters, nor shall any delays or
neglects be given you by the Department that I can prevent.
Your letter to the President of Congress is delivered. I have shown
him yours to me. Congress is now sitting, but I shall wait till they
rise in order that his dispatches may go with this conveyance; three
expresses set out with this to attend any orders you may have to
dispatch. If you find more necessary, you shall have them. I had
letters from His Excellency yesterday, but none for you or General
Portail. This day letters came from Charleston, which mention that all
the British forces in Carolina and Georgia had got to Savannah, where
they were invested by the Count D’Estaing, and the American forces. He
had carried his approaches within four hundred yards of their works,
and expected they would surrender in two or three days; the Experiment
taken, and several other ships and their naval force destroyed: but I
expect the President will give you a more particular account; those
accounts are by private letters of good authority. Mr. Laurens was my
informant.
I have sent you per the express, Mr. Trueman Kirk of O’Mooney, four
horses, the best I can procure in so short a time; one of them is a
horse you left here. It is with great difficulty horses can be procured
sufficient to do the public business.
The President of Congress informs me he cannot write at present. The
accounts from the southward are as late as the 4th instant, on which
day the Count’s batteries were to open.
I am with esteem and compl’ts to General Portail--Sir,
Your most obed’t servant,
Jno. Mitchell,
_D. Q. Mst._
A letter from His Excellency for you and Gen. Portail was sent to
Lewistown on the 19th inst., but suppose it will be returned; if so, no
time shall be lost in sending it.
Col. Alexander Hamilton.