lature. The papers herewith enclosed contain all the news we have at present. Every day we expect to hear from General Washington when 'tis probable we shall be particularly informed of the situation of Lord Cornwallis. Some officers late from New York say that he is given up there as lost; and that tis common to hear the British officers say one to another "Well, poor Corne is gone at last."

There is no doubt but the British admiral, Graves, received a severe Drubbing from Count de Grasse; he lost at sea a 74 gun ship the "Terrible" and the "London;" another ship, of near equal force, was so disabled that 'tis doubted whether she will be fit for service this season. Some other ships were much damaged. Sr. Harry Clinton intended to have reinforced Cornwallis with the Troops he had embarked, and was wating for the Determination of the naval superiority in the Cheasapeke; and was sanguine in Expectations that the French could not stand before the haughty British. The return of the fleet altered his opinion. The troops disimbarked with the Tories, who had their Effects on Board the Transports in order to return to their respective Homes in Virginia.

This state and New Jersey have been under great Apprehensions, that Sr. Harry would endeavor to make a stroke at this city, or fire some towns in New Jersey, as tis unlikely he would remain inactive under the present situation of his affairs. Three thousand Militia of this State are now in Arms near this Place for the Defence of the City, and to oppose Sir Harry in any opperations he may design against this State or New Jersey.

The small Representation for sometime past, of seven states, has occasioned a considerable delay in Business of Consequence

as nothing could be done without unanimous consent. Had we left Congress the 10th of September, all business for sometime would have ceased: which Circumstance may apologize for our staying longer with those who think the resolutions by which we were appointed admit of a doubtful Construction as to the Expiration of the Time of our Delegation.

Tis probable our Finances will not admit of our remaining longer in this Place, than two weeks from this time; on my return I shall continue with the Assembly which I hear is to meet the first of next month. I have been happy in finding that the Publications against Mr. Duane have made no Impression on the minds of the Members of Congress, to his Disadvantage, and I am confident that it will be much for the Interest of the State to continue him in the Delegation.

I have the Honor to be with the utmost Respect Your Excellency's most obedt. Servt.

His Excellency Governor Clinton.

[No. 4028.]

General Heath to Governor Clinton-British Sources Admit British Naval Defeat.

Headquarters, Continental village, Sept. 27, 1781.

Sir, I was the last evening honored with yours of the 25th. Inclosed is a New York paper of the 22d containing Mr. Rivington's account of the naval engagement off the Chesepeak on the 5th instant.

My last intelligence from New York was of the 23d; the fleet were then at the Hook taking every measure to refit, being very much damaged. My informant supposes they have lost three sail of the line. Cornwallis is given over as lost, and Sir Henry

appears to be much in the horrors that he cannot relieve him. I request you will please send the newspaper to Mr. Loudon, after you have perused it, to whom I have promised it for the benefit of the public.

I most heartily thank your Excellency for your offer of personal aid, and that of the respectable militia of the State of New York. Should any occurrence invite us to visit New York. I feel very happy in the prospect of such aid, if it should be necessary, and shall do myself the honor of early requesting it.

I will thank you for a hint of your opinion what mode will be best to investigate the quantity of forage consumed by the allied army in West Chester county, conformable to the resolution of Congress, and whether colonel Hay is considered as the person who is to act in behalf of the State.

No news from the southward, except what is contained in the public papers.

I have the honor to be With the highest respect Your Excellency's Most obedient Servant

His Excellency Governor Clinton.

[No. 4029.]

Captain Marshall to Governor Clinton with Incomplete Returns of Colonel Willett's Regiment.

Albany, Sepr. 27th 1781.

Sir, Enclosed you have a partial return of the Regt. which the Colo. has been above a month in collecting-four weeks ago I communicated the Colo's. orders for the purpose to Major McKinstry at Saratoga-and have repeatedly applied since for the returns of the three companies under his command, and once since the original of this came to me, but have not been so

successful as to procure them. I rec'd a rough draft of this return from the Colo. a few days ago with orders to copy, Sign his name & forward it to your Excellency as it now stands if I could not obtain McKinstry's. The three vacant companies in the return are those with him. Genl. Renselaer sent me his return agreeably to your order. Genl. Gansevoort has not furnished me yet.

I wish to know from your Excellency (as your orders for raising the last levies are differently construed by Colos. Henry K. V. Renselaer & me) if 'tis my Duty to collect detatched Men from their places of Residence, or if 'tis the Commandg. Officer's of Regts. or heads of Classes to deliver them to me.

Col. H. K. V. Renselaers Regt. is yet 12 Men behind-which he says he has detached & insists 'tis my duty to apprehend them. I have told him I thought otherwise, but was willing to do if I had Men, but I have sent on the men by 2s or 3s as fast as they arrived so that it has been and still is out of my power, but if 'tis my duty I must detain some for that purpose, I am with due respect, Sir, your Excellency's Most obt. Servt.

Govr. Clinton.

MANUSCRIPT VOL. XIV.

[No. 4030.]

John Moylan, United States Clothier General, to Governor Clinton, in Regard to the Transfer of State Clothing to the Clothier General.

Newburgh, 1st Octr. 1781.

Sir, By a Resolve of Congress dated June 18th for the regulation of the Clothing Department, it was ordered that all State apointments shou'd cease on the 1st September last & that all clothing then in the hands of the State Clothiers shou'd be delivered over to the Clothier General or his order.

I now have the honor to enclose a Copy of the said Resolve for your Excellency's Inspection, least the same Motives which have hitherto delayed my carrying it into Execution may have prevented congress from giving you earlier Advice thereof.

Yr. Excellency will, therefore, be pleased to issue such orders to all those actually Employed under yr. direction either in the purchase or Distribution of Public Clothing as will best answer the Intention of this new Arrangement, which if my Endeavours are seconded I have no Doubt but the Army at large will soon feel the good Effects of. A good deal Depends on the timely Transportation of the Clothing lately Arrived at Boston. I am now on my way thither for the purpose of sending it forward, & not doubting of yr. Excellency's Exertions, if found necessary to that End. I have the honor to remain with Every Sentiment of Respect & Esteem, Yr. Excellency's most Obedt. Hble. Servt. John Moylan, Clor. Genl.

His Excelly. The Governor of the State of New York.