John Hanson to Thomas Sim Lee

Your Excellencys favour of the 27th ult. I received yesterday. I Sent you inclosed by the last post Herons letters and the Account of wheat received. I will give directions to have a hat immediately made for you tho' my finances are very low.

Our European intelligence respecting the negotiation for peace is not upon the whole very favourable, the British it appears are for procrastination, And it is probable they will try another Campaign at least, in hopes of another 12th of April. If the Issue Should prove unsuccessful, they will not be in a much worse Situation than at present, and a fortunate Stroke at the Combined fleet, would put them in a much better. They will I think for a while longer, trust to the Chapter of Accidents.

Gen. Washington has lately received Advices from Canada (which may be depended on And which has been Communicated to Congress)¹ that between three and four thousand British troops are Expected there from England, And 1500 foreign troops from N. York to Strengthen their posts in that Country, while the whole Force of the British nation is to be employed against the french and Spanish possessions in the West Indies. That Col. Campbell had lately had a meeting with the Indians in Canada, at which this informant was present. That Campbell told them, that the King from Compassion to his American Subjects, had ordered him to Acquaint them, that he had determined to Cease Hostilities, and that they must not therefore make Any further incursions or ravages on the Settlements of his Subjects, but must remain quiet untill further orders. The Indian Sacham Answered, that he was very Sensible of the present Situation of the Indians, that the English had been beat everywhere and were no longer able to Carry on the war, And that the Indians must now Submit to the Americans or be Sacraficed. He Concluded by telling Campbell that he Should no longer listen to his lyes, and went off much dissatisfyed.

With respect I am, Your Excellencys most humble Servt,

J.H.