Eagle [Sandy Hook, N.J.]
Thursday Night [30 July 1778]
Dr Sir
I have sealed & shall immediately forward your dispatch to the Secretary of State. The Cornwall & Centurion1 arrived today, and have made a considerable addition to my Means; But no inference can be formed from the accounts by the former, when Byron may be expected.
The Cornwall meeting the Advice-Boat which was sent with our Dispatches intended to go from Halifax, the Captain of the Cornwall detained the Boat to bring me intelligence of his arrival on this Coast, and our Dispatches have been returned to me. I shall forwarded them by the present opportunity.2 I reckon upon being able to move from hence on Saturday, &c expect hourly to hear that our opponents are arrived at Rhode Island. I remain ever my Dr Sir [&c.]
Howe
L, MiU-C, Sir Henry Clinton Papers. Addressed at foot: "Sr H: Clinton K:B." Addressed on cover: “His Excelly/The Commr in Chief/Head Quarters/Howe."
1. H.M.S. Cornwall, Capt. Timothy Edwards, commander and H.M.S. Centurion, Capt. Richard Braithwaite, commander.
2. Armed brigantine Hannah, Thomas Venture, master.
