Our last news from Edenton is of the 8th of April, by a captain of a vessel, who left Georgetown the 25th of March. The enemy employ all the wagons of Charleston in transporting their stores on board the empty vessels, which came from New York.
I think General Washington would do well to have all the works levelled, which we made at Rhode Island round Newport, and even the fort on Butts' Hill, if he has not troops vigorous and firm to keep possession of it.
The plans of the enemy seem to give their marine all the superiority they can in these seas. I think they must have it much at heart to re-occupy the port of Rhode Island. The port of New York being precarious, the entry depending on the tides, they run the greatest risks in their naval combats, in not having a port where they can take refuge at all times.
I have not time to translate this into English; I beg you to transmit it to our General, as well as that for M. de Guerny, that he may forward it with the greatest despatch.
I submit, with reason, all my reflections on Rhode Island to him. I have always in mind Lord North's speech, and the news which seemed to follow, of the pretended evacuation of Charleston.
Count Ferson sets off to meet my despatches; he tells me that there is a detachment of about one hundred men, which might be employed jointly with the militia in levelling the works.
ROCHAMBEAU.
TO GEORGE WASHINGTON.
Translation.
Philadelphia, April 18th, 1782.