Philadelphia June 19. 1781
Dear Sir
Long ’ere this I expected to have opened a Correspondence with you from this City, but Circumstances already communicated prevented my earlier Attendance on Congress.1 As our information very imperfect, from the Southward passes through that State nothing can be expected on that Subject, our prospects there are become more favorable and from the spirited and truly laudable Exertions of Maryland much may be hoped for if time is allowed for their Arrival. The french have a small Reinforcement arrived at Boston, a fifty Gun Ship, 2 frigates and some transports with Horses for their Army and between 12 & 1500 Men,2 to counterbalance this we have a report that a fleet supposed to be the Cork fleet was seen twelve days ago off Charles Town, if true a Reverse of fortune must take Place in that State. The great Business is over in a manner I beleive consistent with the voice of our State - the particulars are not to be communicated. For your Amusement I inclose you the last Papers. Be pleased to make a Tender of my Compliments to Mrs. Lee and believe me with Sentiments of perfect Esteem,
Yours very affecly,
R Potts
Receiver’s copy, Lee, Horsey, and Carroll Papers deposit (1985), Maryland Historical Society.
1 For Potts "Attendance," see Daniel Carroll to Lee, June 12, 1781, note 1.
2 For the arrival in Boston in early June of the small French reinforcement escorted by the 50-gun Sagittaire, see Lafayette, Papers (Idzerda), 4:202 - 4; and Lee B. Kennett, The French Forces in America, 1780 - 1783 (Westport, Conn.: Greenwood Press, 1977), pp. 107 - 8, 112.
3 For the Board of War’s promise that 1,500 stand of arms would be sent to Maryland "in 7 days time," see Maryland Delegates to Lee, June 4, 1781.