MITCHELL TO HAMILTON.
Philadelphia, 23d October, 1779.
Sir:
Your favor of the 18th instant from Lewistown, came duly to hand, and in consequence of your request, expresses have been stationed at proper distances on the road between this and Lewistown.
Yours of the 19th from Egg Harbor, came to hand at half-past two, and yours of the 22d instant, from Col. Westcoat’s, came to hand at three o’clock this afternoon.
I shall only observe in answer to your last note, which came unsealed, that you have met with no delays from me, since your arrival in this city from His Excellency’s head quarters, nor shall any delays or neglects be given you by the Department that I can prevent.
Your letter to the President of Congress is delivered. I have shown him yours to me. Congress is now sitting, but I shall wait till they rise in order that his dispatches may go with this conveyance; three expresses set out with this to attend any orders you may have to dispatch. If you find more necessary, you shall have them.
I had letters from His Excellency yesterday, but none for you or General Portail. This day letters came from Charleston, which mention that all the British forces in Carolina and Georgia had got to Savannah, where they were invested by the Count D’Estaing, and the American forces. He had carried his approaches within four hundred yards of their works, and expected they would surrender in two or three days; the Experiment taken, and several other ships and their naval force destroyed: but I expect the President will give you a more particular account; those accounts are by private letters of good authority. Mr. Laurens was my informant.
I have sent you per the express, Mr. Trueman Kirk of O’Mooney, four horses, the best I can procure in so short a time; one of them is a horse you left here. It is with great difficulty horses can be procured sufficient to do the public business.
The President of Congress informs me he cannot write at present. The accounts from the southward are as late as the 4th instant, on which day the Count’s batteries were to open.
I am with esteem and compl’ts to General Portail—Sir,Your most obed’t servant,Jno. Mitchell,D. Q. Mst.
I am with esteem and compl’ts to General Portail—Sir,Your most obed’t servant,Jno. Mitchell,D. Q. Mst.
I am with esteem and compl’ts to General Portail—Sir,Your most obed’t servant,Jno. Mitchell,D. Q. Mst.
A letter from His Excellency for you and Gen. Portail was sent to Lewistown on the 19th inst., but suppose it will be returned; if so, no time shall be lost in sending it.
Col. Alexander Hamilton.