Philadelphia Octo 31st 1780
Dear Sir
I received your two letters one by the post and the other by Express, with their inclosures, the money I have not Counted but Suppose it to be right. As the Exchange is rising Shall pay it Away immediately (I expect at 75) tho’ your Carriage is not quite finished it is in the hands of the painter - will find you out a Couple of Horses If I Can, And let you know the price before I agree for them.
The Enemy have been lately reinforced at new York with about 800 Germans, and about 1200 British Troops. This may enable them to Send Some more men to the southward, many they Cant Spare from New York, and their other posts. Last night an Express Arrived from the Southward Confirming the Account we before had of the Enemys landing at Portsmouth and advising that Cornwallis had left Charlotte, and was making a rapid retreat to Camden.1 Our people were hanging on his rear, And it is thought would be very troublesome to him.
I have the honor to be with the highest Esteem and regard, Dear sir your Excellencys most hble Servt,
John Hanson
Receiver’s copy, Lee, Horsey and Carroll Papers deposit (1985), Maryland Historical Society.
1 See John Hanson to Charles Carroll of Carrollton, October 30, 1780, note 3.
This intelligence was also reported in the following brief note of this date by James Lovell to [Elbridge Gerry?]. "Cornwallis is retreating in some Confusion as appears by his leaving the Camp Kettles on the Fire and 5 Loaded Waggons 5 miles on his Road from Camden. We have this in Letters from Gen. Gates. Tuesday, 31 Octr." Gerry-Townsend Papers, NN.