John Hanson to Thomas Sim Lee

Your packet directed to the Delegates was delivered by Mr Green Who also delivered us a Letter respecting the money to be emitted to which due attention will be paid and every assistance given to Mr Green in our power.¹ I think there is but little Chance of Selling the Tobacco here to any advantage, Tobacco delivered here Sells very high, but no purchasers that I can hear of Yet, that will take it anywhere Else.

I have the pleasure to inform you that Congress yesterday received a letter from General Washington dated the 3d Instant Acquainting that General Clinton had proceeded With the principal part of his Army, as far up the East River, as Huntington Bay, on an Expedition against Rhode Island, but that he had returned Again. Immediately on Clintons embarkation, General Washington Crossed the north River with his Army, with intention if the Enemy proceeded to Rhode Island, to Attack New York but as Sir Harry had thought proper to return General Washington Writes that he Should recross the north River with his army the 4th and proceed to Dobbs’s ferry, and this he says he is induced to do, to Save Forage in the neighbourhood of Peekskill Which he may be in want of Sometime hence. The Sudden return of the Enemy I think Clearly evinces, their weakness. That they have not men Enough to send to Rhode Island, and at the Same time leave a Sufficient Garrison at New York for the Defense of that place. The Enemies fleet are Still lying off Rhode Island And tho Superior to the french they have attempted nothing. Perhaps their Continuing there may be with design to intercept the 2d Division of the french fleet. From present Appearances our Army will in a short time be very formidable, and Should nothing happen to prevent A Junction of the intended reinforcement of the french fleet at Rhode Island, the Issue of the present Campaign will I think be most glorious for America. Nothing will in all human probability prevent it but the want of money. The Continental Treasury is Exausted, And the States pay in very Slow indeed. The press begins upon our part of the new money tomorrow, So that you may expect to have it Shortly. The Treasury Board who has had the direction of this Business, has been most Shamefully negligent.

Shall be particularly Attentive to your Chariot and be pleased to present my compliments to Mrs. Lee and let her know, that her slippers is not done - but will Send them down by the next Post, the man Says they are Cut wrong, and that he Shall be obliged to Cut and bind them over again. If Mrs. Lee wants Any more made, he recommends her Sending up the Stuff with an old Shoe. With Sentiments of the highest esteem,

I amDear Sir, Your Excellencys most humble Servt,

John Hanson