I have recd your letters of the 26th and 30th ulto and 1st Inst. I cannot learn that any troops have yet arrived at New York from Virginia. A fleet of 20 sail came in last saturday with troops, but they are said to be Hessian Recruits from Europe.

The Concorde Frigate is arrived at Newport from Count de Grasse. He was to leave St Domingo the 3d of this month with a Fleet of between 25 and 29 sail of the line and a considerable Body of land forces—His destination is immediately for the Chesapeak. So that he will either be there by the time this reaches you, or you may look for him every moment—Under these circumstances—whether the enemy remain in full force, or whether they have only a detachment left, you will immediately take such a position as will best enable you to prevent their sudden retreat thro’ North Carolina, which I presume they will attempt the instant they perceive so formidable an Armament—Should General Wayne with the troops destined for south Carolina still remain in the neighbourhood of James River and the enemy should have made no detachment to the southward, you will detain those troops untill you hear from me again, and inform Genl Greene of the cause of their delay—If Wayne should have marched and should have gained any considerable distance, I would not have him halted.

You shall hear further from me as soon as I have concerted plans and formed dispositions for sending a reinforcement from hence—In the mean time I have only to recommend a continuation of that prudence and good conduct which you have manifested thro’ the whole of your Campaign: You will be particularly careful to conceal the expected arrival of the Count, because if the enemy are not apprised of it, they [will stay] on board their transports in the Bay, which will be the luckiest Cercumstance in the World. You will take measures for opening a communication with Count de Grasse the moment he arrives, and will concert measures with him for making the best uses of your joint forces untill you receive aid from this quarter. I am &c.