HENRY LEE TO HAMILTON.
Monmouth, Oct. 22d, 1779.
My Dear Sir:
I received your two letters announcing your object, route and wishes. I sent to you at Lewistown two pilots; one of them Captain Schuyler, from whom you may know more than from any other, as he was particularly active.
The enemy’s strength at the Hook consists in two 64’s, the Europa and Russell; the Raisonable, Renown, Roebuck and Romulus.
Besides these they have ten frigates and some armed schooners. They have sunk ten hulks in the outer channel, and have more ready to be sunk; some of those sunk have got afloat and reached shore.
They have also two fire ships. My latest accounts from New-York, mention that all was attention and labor among the troops. Works are erecting on both sides the Narrows and on Governor’s Island.
Head quarters in Long Island. Evacuation of Rhode Island not yet taken place. A vessel got in on the 16th from Georgia, since whose arrival, the two 64’s, and the Renown have fallen down to New-York.
The troops have embarked from the Hook and gone to the city.
I construe these movements as indicatory of the Count’s withdrawal from the coast. Do write me whenever you may hear certainly from the fleet. You will regularly be informed of what passes here.
I am, dear Sir,
Yours affectionately,
Henry Lee.
Col. Hamilton.