Philadelphia Augt 7th, 1781
Dear Sir,
The express deliverd me your favor of the 3d & 4th of Augt. The movement of the Enemy up the Bay is contrary to the judgement of the Learned in war at this place; but I have thought it probable his Gallant Lordship woud not Leave our State unvisited in his Tour. If New York does not appear to him to be in such immediat danger, as to make a reinforcement immediately necessary - affairs in the South must pinch his Lordship severely. Several flags have arrvd here from Augustine & Charles Town within these few days. The Gentlemen by these Vessels inform us that 96 has been evacuated (this acknowledgd by Rivington) that a Body of the Enemy have been attackd & drove from Monks Corners with Considerable loss of men & all their baggage which they were obligd to distroy (the Charles Town Gazettee says almost as much), That our parties are almost every day within 5 or 6 Miles of Charles Town & have cut of several Small parties of the Enemy, That the Body of troops left at Orangeburgh (the Remainder of Lord Rawdons force that relievd 96) was Surrounded, & likely to fall into our hands. If this last shou’d prove true, what will prevent Genl Greene from making a triumphant entry into Charles Town unless Cornwallis turns his face that way immediately. The Gentlemen by these flags, many of them of character, say that intelligence was receivd at Charles Town (I believe by a Packet) that a considerable part of the homeward bound Statia fleet has been taken & carried into France by Le Motte Piquet, & that Commadore Johnson had been severely beat by some French Squadron, Supposed to be near the Cape of Good Hope. They speak of this with Confidence. I seldom trouble you with reports - these are so important & came in such a manner I cou’d not avoid mentioning them.
I[t] gives me real pleasure to find such a spirit prevailing among my Countrymen as you mention.
Mr. Ridgate took charge of yr. hat & of Mrs Digges Stays & Shoes. Pray let her Know this. I will write to her in a day or two.
I have Recd. only abt. £10 from Mullahan - not more than 39 hhds come to hand. The Sale dull & low for ready money. We have advised him to take Some measures to secure the Tobacco abt. Elk.
Present my Compt. to yr Lady & believe Dr. Sr yrs. with the greatest regard,
Danl Carroll
Receiverâs copy, Lee, Horsey, and Carroll Papers deposit (1985), Maryland Historical Society.
1 Washingtonâs August 2 letter to Congress, which contradicted information sent in his letter of July 30, had been read in Congress on August 6. See Thomas McKean to Washington, August 3, note 1, and this day, note 1.