John Hanson to Thomas Sim Lee

I am favoured with yours by the last post. Be pleased to present my Compliments to Mrs Lee, and tell her her Commands Shall be Executed-tho the best Kind of Chariots was made a month or Six weeks ago, for £150 hard money, the price is now from 200 to 220. If you are willing to give this price be pleased to let me Know and I will engage one of the best Kind immediately, and you may probably get it by the middle or last of September. There is a Second hand Coach to be Sold for £200 hard. I understand it has run near Six years. I have examined it, the wheels are allmost new and the Harnass altogether so, the Body is very good, And every part of the Carriage appears to be Strong and in good order. The lining is a green Silk Damask. The Cushings are a good deal worn, but the man will engage to furnish new ones of the same, with the lining, it Apepars to be rather heavy, And the Shape of the Body not altogether in the modern tast, tho’ it looks well, being genteely painted. But I would rather advise your having a new one made or a new Chariot, rather than Purchase this. You will then be Sure of a good one and Agreeable to your own fancy. You will let me hear from you on the Subject by the next post. The sooner the better as things are Still rising.

There was An Embarkation of Troops from New York last week, and a fleet of Ships of war and other vessels amountg to 61 or 62 Sailed from the hook Wednesday last, Steering as far as they Could be seen, about a South East Course. Various are the Conjectures respecting their destination. Some are of opinion they are gone to the West Indias to reinforce Admiral Rodney, who it is Said has lately met with a severe drubing by the Combined fleets haveing lost 4 Ships. A 74 Sunk and three taken, and the rest drove into St. Lucia, Some in a Shatered Condition, others are of opinion (which I think the most probable) that their object is Rhode Island. The Superiority they have at present in Shiping and the number of Troops they may Spare from New York for so Short an Expedition may induce them to attempt Something before the french fleet and Army there Can be reinforced. A few days will Clear up our Doubts.

With great esteem and respect, I am Dear sir, Your most hble Servt,

John Hanson