Manuscripts and Special Collections
Ne C 2645 : Letter from General Sir Henry Clinton, New York [U.S.A.], to H.F.C. Pelham-Clinton, 2nd Duke of Newcastle under Lyne; 11 Jul. 1778
we left Washington very sore, not a shot
was fired from that day, new operations are
now to take place. I have little more to
answer for, than due a mention to my Instructions
here. I followed them as to the manner of quitting
Philadelphia [words illegible] serious bad consequences
might have followed. Destaing would have met
us at the mouth of Delaware where we are
informed he is at this moment; where is
Byron? 'tis possible if he arrives in time that
such a movement of fleet and Army may
take place as - but not a word
should be said of it. Lord H.'s present fleet
is very inferior to that of the French, but our
marine Chief and also his associates, are of the
right cast. If he determines to attempt I augur well
and old England may again walk haut la tête.
If the present plan of operations
