To Alexander Hamilton from Major Henry Lee, 15 October 1779
From Major Henry Lee1
Manolopen2 [New Jersey] Octr. 15. 1779
Dear Sir.
I have your letters of the 9th & 13th Octobr.3
The Pilots have orders one half to proceed to Lewis Town,4 there to wait on you.
The route I can not yet determine, as I am not sufficiently acquainted. They will be sent the shortest & every assistance given them to expedite their arrival.
Should you leave the Capes before they get there, it would be necessary to dispatch a courier to cross at Dover & pursue the Jersey route with directions for them; yourself or courier must meet them. My intelligence corresponds exactly with the information obtained from Capt Munroe & transmitted you from H Quarters.5
Rhode island was not evacuated6 when my last accounts arrived but will be on the Count’s appearance.7 Transports are ready there for the purpose.
Sandy hook, the Narrows & Governor’[s] Island are strongly fortified. Be assured of my execution of your wishes & that I am your friend & servt.
Henry Lee Maj
ALS, Hamilton Papers, Library of Congress.
1. Washington on October 10, 1779 (George Washington Papers, Library of Congress), wrote to Lee telling him to be on the lookout for D’Estaing’s arrival off the coast of north Jersey. H and Brigadier General Du Portail, meanwhile, were en route to the Delaware Capes in an effort to meet D’Estaing. The letter above represents an effort to coordinate the efforts of H and Du Portail with those of Lee.
2. Manalapan, Monmouth County, New Jersey.
3. Neither letter found.
4. Lewes, Delaware.
6. This refers to reports that the British were withdrawing their troops from Rhode Island and combining them with their forces in New York.
7. I.e., D’Estaing’s appearance at New York.