(Copy)
My Lord

I had the Honour to acquaint You in a Letter by the Thames, who sailed from Staten Isl^d: the 29^th. with the Victuallers for the Delaware, that Sir H. Clinton had the day before received a Letter from Gen^l: Burgoyne the Cypher part of which He trans­mitted to Sir W^m: Howe by the Thames also. It contained no more than to say, that if any Move, or Appearance of One could be made from hence which might draw off part of the Force opposed to him, It would be of use. This is all his Letter says, and mine informed you that Sir H. Clinton in consequence meant to attempt Fort Mont­gomery if possible—

He has since thought it adviseable to forward the Messenger on to your Lord^p. and Sir Will^m., as Gen^l: Burgoyne appears to have held some confidential Discourse with him relative to his Situation, which He did not perhaps care to commit to Paper.

The Substance of that Conversati9n (as the Messenger has imparted it to Sir H. and myself seperately) you will see by the L^t. Gen^ls. Lett^r. to Sir W. Howe herewith sent open for your Lord^ps perusal. We both thought it right You should know the Story he has told us, that in case he should vary in his Relation of it to Your Lordship You may judge the better how far to trust him.

If what he says be true Gen^l. B. certainly confides much in his Integrity, yet none of the Letters mention his growing short of Provisions—I have the Hon^r. to be &c

Dear Sir

The above is a Copy of what I have written to Lord Howe on the Receit of Y^r: Lett^r: which I hope will meet Your Approbation. The Transports went down to Staten Island the last Ebb, and the Zebra will do so the next—Most faithfully and ever Yours

W: Hotham

Preston Wednes: night.