522 Letters to the Governor and Council

October 12
Brown Book
No. 1
Letter 44

The Charon of 44 Gun and two large Transports have been burnt
by hot Balls. The Guns and Stores have been previously taken out of
the Frigate
We last night advanced our second parallel within 300 yards of
the Enemy's Works without the least annoyance from them. Lord
CornwalliS^ts conduct has hitherto been passive beyond conception,
he either has not the means of defence, or he intends to reserve him-
self untill we approach very near him. A few days must determine
whether he will or will not give us much trouble.
I have the honor to be with great respect Your Excellency's Most
Obed^t Servant

October 13
Red Book
No. 5
Letter 91

[Dan'l Carroll, John Hanson, Phil^a to Gov. Lee.]

The Contents of the inclosd appear of such consequence, that two
expresses are immediately to be sent of, one to proceed by land, the
other by water from the Head of Elk — we have likewise thought it
proper to forward copy, to you, not doubting but that you will think
the intelligence of sufficient consequence to require a fast sailing boat
to be dispatch'd with it to the Count de Grass, least the Letters sent
by the President shou'd meet with some delay.

October 7
Red Letter
Book No. 5
Letter 93

[W. Heath, Head Quarters, Conti^'l Village, to His Excellency,
the President of Congress.]

Between twelve and one oClock this morning, I received the in-
closed intelligence through a Channel which Generally afforded such
as has been Authentic. I forward it by Express, and Submit to your
Excellency of how much importance it is that the Count de Grasse
should have notice of it, if it be possible, in Seeson, a Deserter from
the Princessa, Admiral Drakes Ship, came here last Evening. He
informed me that when he came away, the troops were embarking at
Staten Island — that as he came up to the City, two Scows full of
Horses, and one with three peices of Brass Cannon twelve or Eighteen
pounders, passed them going down to the fleet
The person who sent me the inclosed intelligence observes — " In-
closed you will receive a letter from one of my old Correspondents
which has this moment come to hand, who for particular reasons has
been silent for some time. When I tell you it comes from the same
person, whose information you frequently received from me while at
Newport, you will Judge of the credibility of his accounts. The
destresses of the Tories and loyalists at New York as well as the prin-
cipal Officers of their Army for Lord Cornwallis is hardly to be de-
scribed my Correspondent informs me that they put the Issue of the
Contest allmost upon his defence or defeat the latter they expect and
almost realize his Capture."