Since I wrote your Excellency by Colonel Morris nothing very material has taken place, except the hanging of Colonel Haynes one our militia Colonels, who the enemy hung in Charles Town a little time since, as a traytor as they call him. He was a man of a most amiable character, highly respected, and of a most extensive influence. This insult offered to the good people of this Country, and to the business of exchange, it being a most flagrant violation of the Cartel, I am determined to retaliate; and as the enemy are indifferent about their militia officers I mean to retaliate on the brittish Officers, as the surest way of putting a stop to a practice that can only serve to gratify private revenge.

General Marion and Colo. Lee have taken a few prisoners since I wrote before, in the whole between twenty & thirty, three or four of which are officers. The Rivers have been so high, owing to the great rains, as has prevented parties passing them with sufficient ease to attempt surprises.

We are endeavouring to draw a body of militia together at Friday’s ferry, and are on our march to that place to combine our force, and make an attack on the enemy at McCords ferry, if our force will authorize the attempt, when we are collected.

I am much at a loss what are Lord Cornwallis’s intentions in Virginia[.] I have directed the Marquis to govern his motions by the enemy’s & to detach here, if they detach largely from there, & not without. I am also totally ignorant what is going on at New York, having heard nothing from your Excellency since June, which induces me to believe your dispatches are intercepted. I pray God the expedition against New York may succeed, & prove the cornerstone of American Independance, as it undoubtedly would. I wait with impatience for intelligence by which I mean to govern my own operations.

If things are flattering in the North I will hazard less in the South, but if otherwise there, we must risque more here. With every wish for your Excellency’s safety Glory and success I am with great esteem & Regard Your most Obedient Humble Servant