University of Virginia Library

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TO THOMAS JEFFERSON.[1]

Dear Sir,—The fact is confirmed that Clinton
has returned to New York with part of the Southern
army, and has joined Kniphausen. They are at
present manœuvering for purposes not absolutely
known, but most probably in order to draw General
Washington to an action, in which they suppose he
might be disabled from giving the necessary co-operation
to the French armament. Could they succeed
in drawing him from his strong position, the result
indeed ought to be exceedingly feared. He is weak
in numbers beyond all suspicion, and under as great
apprehension from famine as from the enemy. Unless
very speedy and extensive reinforcements are received
from the Eastern States, which I believe are exerting
themselves, the issue of the campaign must be equally
disgraceful to our councils and disgustful to our allies.
Our greatest hopes of being able to feed them are
founded on a patriotic scheme of the opulent merchants
of this city, who have already subscribed
nearly £[OMITTED], and will very soon complete that sum,
the immediate object of which is to procure and transport
to the army [OMITTED] rations, and three
hundred hogsheads of rum. Congress, for the support
of this bank, and for the security and indemnification
of the subscribers, have pledged the faith of
the United States, and agreed to deposit bills of
exchange in Europe to the amount of £150,000

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