Long Island near New York
September 28th 1776
Duplicate No. 4.
My Lord
I have the honor to offer Your Lordship my sincerest congratulations on the successes of His Majesty's Arms, that have already Secured at least the important point of good Winter Quarters for the troops by the possession of the City of New York, and this Island, which although very greatly ex-hausted by the depredations of the Rebels, will yet contribute much to the support and comfort of the Fleet and Army, if the parts of the coast, most exposed, are timely protected against the New England People, who have crossed the Sound, and made Several descents on the North side of this Island, for the purpose of driving'off Cattle, and seizing persons well affected to Government, since the troops took possession of the Western part of it.
It being manifest My Lord that my return to North Carolina, to lie on board Ship can ansrver no sort of purpose, and Lord Howe having seen it expedient to call away His Majesty's Ships that are stationed at Cape Fear River rendering it impossible for me to resume that very irksome situation, I remain here in readiness to take any part that may be assignd me, until further operations, shall open a way to my wishes, and my particular duty to promote his Majesty's Service in that Province.
Since my arrival at this place I have received My Lord, but I have not been able to find out through what Channel, the original and duplicate of The Earl of artm mouth's letter of the 8th of November last, signifying The King's Pleasure that I should inform His Majesty's Officers within the Government of North Carolina, that they were not expected by His Majesty to remain in their present stations at the hazard of their lives and properties, and that they were therefore at liberty to withdraw themselves from the Colony rvhenever their personal safety should make it necessary so to do. ー I should have been happy My Lord to have received this letter while it was possible for me to communicate it: for I am persuaded the assurance it gives of attention to the unfortunate circumstances of the Servants of the Crown is a grace that would mitigate the sufferings of every other individual in the proportion it does my own.
The Transport Ship on board which I left at Cape Fear the loyal refugees from the shore of North Carolina I expect My Lord will come here with The King's Ships which are ordered from that Port, when I shall discharge her, and I presume, most of the Refugees, who for their good behaviour, and encouragement, I had formed into Companies, and entitled to pay pursuant to the powers vested in me to levy Provincial troops, will be ready to serve The King in such Corps, as The Commander in Chief shall please to consign them to
I have had the happiness to find my Family in safety, which, all circumstances considered, is better Fortune than I could reasonably expect. I have the honor to be [&c.]