Philadelphia Octo 24th. 1780
Dear sir
I most Sincerely Congratulate you, on our late Success to the Southward. This event it is to be hoped will give the most happy turn to our affairs in that part of the Country and if properly improved, I think master Cornwallis, will in short time wish himself Safe in Charles Town.
Last Week we had intelligence from Head Quarters of a British fleet having Sailed a few days before from the Hook with 2500 Troops, 40 horses and a number of Spare Arms - destined it is Supposed to the Southward.1 The Cork fleet which had been long expected Arrived last week at New York, which Occasioned great rejoicing there. A general Exchange of Prisoners both Officers and Privates has taken place except the Convention Troops and those of ours taken in Charles Town.2
Your Carriage is nearly ready. Exchange 75 Per Ct. Mr Henry talks of leaving Congress in a few days. Mr. Plater says his time is out the 5th Decr. and I cannot Stay longer than the last of next month unless I am detained for want of money to clear out.
Yours in Council dated the 20th to the Delegates is Just Come to hand. I am desired by my Colleagues to Acknowledge the receipt of it and to acquaint you that it Came to hand too late, to lay it before Congress and to be able to give you their determination by this post. It shall be done by the next.3
I have the honor to be, Dear sir, Your Excellencys most hble Servt,
John Hanson
Receiver’s copy, Lee, Horsey and Carroll Papers deposit (1985), Maryland Historical Society.
1 See Samuel Huntington to Thomas Jefferson, October 21, 1780, note 2.
2 This day Hanson sent a nearly identical copy of these first two paragraphs to Charles Carroll of Carrollton, for which see the Carroll Papers, MdHi.
3 For the governor’s October 20 letter seeking reimbursement of £2,000 of the new state emission advanced to the Continental treasurer to enable Marylandâs extra regiment to march southward, see Md Archives, 43:335. When the delegates submitted Leeâs letter on October 25, Congress immediately ordered the funds disbursed. See JCC, 18:972.
4 Richard Bennett Lloyd of Kent County, Md., had received permission to travel to New York City to retrieve personal property, including household furniture, belonging to his second wife, Elizabeth. He may have been accompanied by his Kent County neighbor, John Scott. See Md Archives, 43:342; and Biog. Dict. of Md Legis., 2:542 - 43, 718 - 19.