John Hanson to Thomas Sim Lee

I have been Confined to my room a fortnight and was so unwell when the last post set out, that I was not able to write, I am now on the recovery And hope to be able to Attend Congress in a day or two. You have had I understand as full Accounts from the Southward as any we have had. After the Shameful flight of General Gates it is with great pleasure We are informed that so many of our brave Officers and Soldiers are Safe. General Smallwood and Gist have gained immortal Honor, to have been able to Cut their Way through a Surrounding Enemy with a handful of men, equals any thing that has been done this war. Smallwood ought and will I hope in a few days be promoted to a Maj General and ought in my Opinion to take the Command of the Southern Army, or General St Clair or Some other brave Officers Should Superseed Gates.

We are informed from the Southward that a pretty handsome affair has been lately performed by a Small Body of the Western Militia on the Borders of South Carolina¹ they were Attacked by the Enemies Cavalry - they Judiciously fell back into a thick Wood - Sustained Several Warm Attacks, and at a period of the Action, when the Countenance of the Enemy began to fail, they Issued from their Cover, Charged them With Bayonets, took 48, and it is Said Killed a greater number. This gallant affair was Conducted on our part by a Colo Williams, Colo Clark of Georgia, and a Colo. Shelby.²

It is reported and Credited by many that a french fleet of 18 Sail of the line and Some frigates are on the Coast. They were Seen it is Said a few days ago to the northward of our Capes. The English fleet has left Rhode Island and Steered towards New York. Our new raised Battalion is ordered by the General to the Southward. I have Sent Mrs. Lees Shoes - price for making 360 Dolls. most enormous.

With usual esteem and regard I have the honour to be, Your Excellencys most humble Servt,

John Hanson