I duly received your letter of the 17th of March inclosing the copy of one of the 16th to the President of Congress—The motives which induced you to hazard a battle appear to me to have been substantial—I am happy to find by your subsequent letter to Congress, that the retreat of Cornwallis in circumstances of distress corresponded with your expectations. I still however regard your affairs as critically situated—the enemy are accumulating a large force in the Southern states—we have several concurring accounts that a further detachment is preparing at New York to be commanded by Clinton himself—Its destination is given out to be for delaware bay; but it is much more probably for Chesapeak or Cape fear.

The Marquis will have informed you of the orders he has received to march Southward with his corps and to concert with you his ulterior movements, whether to remain in Virginia to make head against the enemy who are now in force there or to proceed directly to a junction with you.

General St Clair informs me that 900 of the Pensylvanians were to march the 16th from York Town.

You may be assured that we give you all the support in our power—I wish our means were more adequate.

We are impatiently waiting for definitive advices from Europe; we have nothing certain since the dutch war—The precariousness of conveyances by the post would make it dangerous to enlarge confidentially. With the truest esteem & regard. I am D. Sir Yr most Obed. servt