Sep[tembe]r 17th [1781]
My Dear Lord,
I acquainted your Grace that
Washington had passed the North River, giving
jealousy to us for Staten Island and suddenly
moved towards Delaware on the second giving
out that he expected la Grasse. I have embarked
9000 men to follow him the moment that
I hear from the Admiral that it is safe,
for I am convinced the only way to relieve Lord
Cornwallis is to join him and his Lordship
is of the same opinion. Lord C--- has inclu[din]g
seamen marines and refugees, good 8000:
he has provisions at full allowance till the
end of next month for 20,000 men.
Sep[tembe]r 20th. La Grasse and Barras have by
the Admiral's letter joined before our fleet
arrived off Chesapeake. There was a partial
action on the 5th, 19 against 24, our fleet has
suffer'd more than the French, so much so,
that the Admiral finds it necessary to
come here for repairs. God send that Ad[mira]l