Eagle [off Staten Island, N.Y.] Wedy. [8 July 1778] 10 PM
Dr Sir.
The Intelligence of the French Squadron that Capt Duncan1 was charged to communicate to you this Evening,2 will oblige me to move the Eagle tomorrow, down to Sandy Hook. I therefore wish to release you from your Engagemt, to allow me the honor of seeing you tomorrow, And that the indulgence to me, may be postponed, until it can be granted in a manner much less inconvenient to you: More especially as I must see more of the intentions of the French, before I can determine upon the matter of my public Dispatches which was the object of my wish for that effect of your goodness to Dr Sir [&c.]
Howe
L, MiU-C, Sir Henry Clinton Papers. Addressed at foot: “His Exl. Sr. H. Clinton K B.”
1. See Howe to Clinton, 8 July, 6 AM, immediately above.
2. Capt. Henry Duncan, First Captain of the squadron.
