Head Quarters, Morristown, January 21, 1780
Dr. Sir:
I have received your letter of the 17th.1 I am happy to find such a disposition in the good people to relieve us, and for their ready and zealous compliance in my requisition. I think you had better order forward the corn which is stored in Cumberland, to this place while the roads remain in their present condition. I suppose the commissaries will take proper care to provide barrels for the salted provisions.
I am very well pleased with Captn. Paytons2 success; altho short of the original intention. The circumstance you mention I am persuaded would not admit of carrying it further.
I am etc.3
1 In the Washington Papers.
2 Capt. Henry Peyton. "The noise of the men marching occasioned by the snow, alarmed the garrison: of course the attempt on the light house [at Sandy Hook] was omitted agreeable to orders. The shipping were assaulted, and three burnt, vizt. one tender one schooner and one sloop. The prisoners taken amounted to twelve; these with the British officer captured some time since will be sent to Philada. The counterfeit money I have sent to the loan office to be burnt. Unfortunately the owner of it, was mortally wounded and left behind, so that no discovery can be made." Lee’s letter is in the Washington Papers.
3 The draft is in the writing of James McHenry.