John Hanson to Thomas Sim Lee

Admiral Rodneys Arrival at Sandy Hook with ten Sail of the line is Confirmed beyond a doubt, preparations are makeing at New York for a Considerable embarkation of Troops. Virginia is Supposed to be the object. General Washingtons Army is Again in motion, to Cross the North River, with a View perhaps to divert the Enemy from Sending Troops to the Southward. I wish I Could Congratulate you on the Arrival of the Second Division of the French fleet, so long expected, And whose Arrival has been so often reported. Congress have had no Official Account of that matter and am therefore afraid the reports are without foundation. Our Army is Still distressed for Want of Meat but their Wants will in a little time I hope be removed - Pensylvania have engaged to furnish immediately, one thousand Head of Cattle. Supplies are Comeing in from the Eastern States, And I hope Colo Blane will be able to procure 500 head in our State.

The following is an Extract of a Letter from General Gates to Congress dated Hillsborough Sept. 5th. 1780.¹ "Two of our prisoners who escaped from Charles Town the 27th ultimo in the morning say, that all the preceeding Day Signal Guns were fireing from Fort Moultrie for the Approach of an Emies Fleet, and that the 27h in the morning Alarm Guns were fired from Charles Town up the Country. I also have Intelligence over Land from Georgia, that in Consequence of Augusta being Attacked the Hessians in the Garrison at Savanah, were ordered to March night and Day to reinforce Augustine."

I have the honor to be with great Esteem, Your Excellency most hble Servt,John Hanson²