John Hanson to Thomas Sim Lee

I have the honor of yours of the 12th. No Express is yet Arrived from General Green - if he Comes by Water it may be Accounted for as the Winds for some days past have been Contrary. I wish to See a particular Account of the Killed and Wounded but at the same time am fearful for our line, it is reported that Colo Howard is Killed.

From undoubted intelligence the British have been reinforced Since the late engagement with Count de Grasse With Six Ships of the line & that their fleet now Consists of twenty nine Ships of the line. Mr Carroll and I had the honor of inclosing you Copys of some papers by Express¹ which I hope you receivd by which you are made Acquainted with the designs of the Enemy to relieve Lord Cornwallis by advices Since the Troops they take with them Amount to upwards of 5000. Their fleet is very formidable, And tho Considerably inferior to the french, yet as so much depends upon the Issue of their enterprize, I must Confess my fears are some what Excited - but hope for the best. The Account of the Arrival of Cloathing and Stores to the Eastward, which I mentioned in my last,² it seems is premature. Some Agreeable intelligence from the Southward is Contained in the last paper to which I refer you. And Am with the highest Sentiments of esteem and regard, Dear Sir, Your Excellency most humble Servt, John Hanson