Philadelphia August 1st 1780
Dear sir,
The two letters directed to the Delegates were yesterday laid before Congress.1 That relating to our Troops to the Southward was referred to the Board of War and am in hopes the wants of our Troops will Speedily be relieved especially as General Gates is invested with ample powers to appoint Officiers and to do every thing that may be necessary for the Support of the Southern Army. The other Letter respecting the protection of the Maryland and Virginia Trade is referred to the Board of Admiralty and tho Congress are disposed to do every thing to Comply with the requisition yet I fear it is not in their power to yeild Any protection at all at present.2 I think we have only four frigates and those are to Join the french fleet at present much inferior to that of the British which is now off Rhode Island. Troops are Sending off from New York by way of the Sound and in Consequence General Washingtons Army is in motion towards the north River. Have inclosed you the packet and am with usual Esteem & regard, Dear sir,
Your most hble Servt,
John Hanson
Receiver’s copy, Lee, Horsey, and Carroll Papers deposit (1985), Maryland Historical Society.
1 JCC, 17:682. For these two letters, and a third from Lee addressed to President Huntington, see PCC, item 70, fols. 403 - 18; and Md Archives, 43:235 - 36, 238.
2 For Congress’ response to this appeal from Maryland for the deployment of a Continental frigate to the Chesapeake for the protection of the state’s trade, see Samuel Huntington to Lee, August 10, 1780.