Head Quarters, West-point, October 30, 1779
Dr. Sir:
By a letter, which Genl. Greene received from Mr. Bowen a D.Q.M.G dated Newport the 26th instant, it appears that on monday night last the enemy evacuated Rhode Island and that Genl. Gates took possession of the place on Tuesday morning. I have no doubt as to the truth of the event, altho’ by some accident or other I have not received the advice from Gen. Gates.
I am, &c.1
1 The draft is in the writing of James McHenry.