Philadelphia June 26th. 1780
Dear Sir
This morning the president of Congress, received a Letter from Mr Peabody one of our Committee at headquarters, dated the 23d advising that General Washington for Several days past has been extending the left wing of His Army toward the north, So as to prevent the Enemy from out flanking him with their right. The morning of the 23d General Kniphausen with thirteen Regiments, Consisting of about 5000 regulars - exclusive of new Levies, marchd from Elizabeth Town point, their progress was Slow, at least six hours moveing to Springfield. They advanced on the Right of our Army, which was Commanded by Major General Green, but a few Continentals and some Militia, gave them so warm a reception, that they thought proper to halt and after burning all the Houses in the Town of Springfield, except two or three, retired again to Elizabeth Town point the same day. The loss of Killed and Wounded on both sides is very Considerable, a particular Accout is not yet Come to hand. It is reported that Clinton is gone up the north River with all the force he Can muster exclusive of Kniphausens Division, and it is thought he will soon join. the object West Point.
A General embargo is laid here on all vessels except those belonging to the French. The Delaware State has also adopted the measure, And it is to be wished that Maryland would do the same.1 At a time when an Army is in such want of provisions and a prospect of Short Crops, every Step ought to be taken to prevent any from going out of the country.
By a vessel Just Arrived from Cadis Intelligence is received that a Spanish fleet of 12 Ships of the line & 8 frigates And a great number of Transports had Saild from Cadis for the West Indias Supposed against Jamaca.
With perfect respect and Esteem I have the honour to be, Sir, Your most Obedient Servt,
John Hanson
Receiver’s copy, Lee, Horsey, and Carroll Papers deposit (1985), Maryland Historical Society.
1 Delaware had just reported its willingness to continue the embargo on provisions "until the twentieth day of October next," a decision made in response to a request from Congress, for which see JCC, 17:558; and Samuel Huntington to Caesar Rodney, June 14, 1780, note 2. Maryland’s commitment to maintaining the embargo in force had not recently been called into question, but for evidence that its extension of the embargo beyond September 10 was conditional upon a similar commitment from Delaware and Pennsylvania, see the council’s August 26 letter to the Maryland delegates, in Md. Archives, 43:266 - 67.