The officers of the two A Battalions of l’Infantery, which I actually command, have applied to me for ceasing to run over those craggy mountains barefooted, and beg that I would write to head quarters to have an order from his Excellency to get one pair of shoes for each; the shoes they hint to are at New Windsor, and their intention is to pay for.
Do not be so greedy for shoes as for my blanket, and think that the most urgent necessity has determined their application; they are quite barefooted.
I am very respectfully, Sir,
Your most obedient servant,
L. Fleury.
N. B. As his Excellency could form a very advantageous idea of our being lucky in shoes by the appearance of the officers who dined to-day at head quarters, and were not quite without, I beg you would observe to him, if necessary, that each company had furnished a shoe for their dressing.
Camp l’Infantery, 19th August, 1779.
Si vous savez un mot de M. De La Luzerne dites le moi.
HAMILTON TO JAMES DUANE.
August 28th, 1779.
Dear Sir:
I with pleasure snatch a moment, agreeable to your request, to inform you of the events which have taken place since you left us. A York paper of the 24th, announces the arrival of the Russell of 74, which parted three days before from Arbuthnot’s fleet, which was of course momently expected. Subsequent intelligence gives us the arrival of the whole fleet. This comes through different channels, and is believed; but we have no particulars. Wayne is still safe.