The writings of James Madison, comprising his public papers and his private correspondence, including numerous letters and documents now for the first time printed. |
TO EDMUND PENDLETON. |
 |
 | The writings of James Madison, |  |
TO EDMUND PENDLETON.
Dear Sir,—Your favour of the 8th. which ought to
have been here on Monday week did not arrive till
thursday; that of the 17th. came yesterday according
to expectation. I know not how to account for your
disappointment on the last post day having not
correspondence.
Although the stroke of good fortune you mention
does not appear to have been duly represented, it
was only mistaken for one of equal importance which
I doubt not is fully known to you by this time. Our
joy on this event has been somewhat abated by intelligence
of an opposite complexion from the State of
N. York. Two parties from Canada composed of
regulars tories Canadians and savages and amounting
to about 1000 each have entered their frontiers, the
one by the way of lake George, the other by the way
of the Oneida lake. They have already done some
mischief, and as they are pursuing their incendiary
plan, will involve the inhabitants in very great distress,
(it being now the eve of winter) unless a speedy
check can be given to their progress. It is supposed
that this expedition was intended to take advantage
of the consternation in that state expected to result
from the success of Arnolds treason.
We had information some days ago from Genl
Washington that a fleet with about 2000 troops on
Board had fallen down towards the Hook, which it
was supposed was destined either for Virginia or N.
Carolina. As nothing further has come from the
General it is to be inferred that they have not yet
sailed. It is said the fleet consisting of upwards of
100 sail has at last safely arrived. The capture of
the British fleet from Jamaica rests upon the same
evidence as mentioned in my last. I am Dr Sr
from Mr. Harrison[1] at Cadiz confirming the capture
of the B. fleet. Some of the Pris[oners were] in
that bay when he wrote. The number taken was not
known. The fleet amounted to 60 or 70 sail, having
on board military stores provisions dry goods & 1000
Highland troops for the East Indies. You will have
the particulars by the next post. 5 or 6 ships also
attempting to get into Gibralter with provisions have
been taken by the Spanish [illegible] stationed off
that place. 30 sail of French merchantmen had
arrived safe from St Domingo. The post is this
moment starting. Adieu.
| The writings of James Madison, | |