[Extract]
I left New York on Wednesday last [February 7], Genl Clinton was then there and I beleive on his way to Virga to meet a fleet which he expected from England, he gave out that he was to go to the Southward but you must prepare for him, for I think he will most assuredly Stop with you, as he certainly intends to Hampton Road to wait for his Troops which are to Rendezvous there, should he land them God knows what will become of you even if you have your 9 Battalions Raised, for I understand you have not Arms for a Quarter part of them, the Congress have done every thing in their Power to procure them with out Effect, and this will forever be the Case as long as we carry on this war and no War, we shall Start at Shadows till we are undone, and shall never see our error till the Shackles Gingle on our Feet and awake us out of our Fatal Lethargy, I could fill a Volume on this subject but it will avail nothing, the sooner, I conclude therefore the better.