Cowford [East Florida] 16th. July 1778
Sir
I have just now receivd a letter from my Brother, a copy of which I have the honor to inclose you—1 I scarce doubted but the Rebels would go back whenever they should be info[r]med of the arrival of any of the Kings ships, as they would then dispair of being able to force a passage for their naval force into this River,2 and the pains that had been taken to spoil the Road by land added to its natural badness, had render'd it very near impassable—unluckily we have it now in our front. I realy do not think we can effect any thing of consiquence on their Rear either by sea or land as no doubt they will have taken care to send off all their incumbrances before them—but if you think you can do any thing in your element or on the Islands there is a hundred men now ready for you at the Bluff,3 and Capt. Wulff has orders to join you—or do any thing that the service may require—Another Company has orders to occupy the Bluff in case Wulff leaves it.
you will please observe what my Brother says with regard to provisions &c, as I must request your assistance in these articles for here we have no provisions to spare—4 I shall write you again tomorrow if any thing new occurs&&I have the honor to be {&c.]
A Prevost
L, UkGrNMM, Adm. Viscount Keith Papers. Addressed at bottom of first page: “Honbl. Cap' Elphinston." Docketed: “Perseus/Brigadr. Genl. Prevosts' Letter/enclosing one from the Coll/16th: July 1778/Ed. N Swiney."
1. The letter from Lt. Col. James Marcus Prevost, dated 16 July, conveyed reports from American deserters that the Continental troops had begun a retreat out of East Florida. Prevost, who commanded the British advance force, informed his brother that he planned to follow the retreating Americans with all his troops “fit for hard service, and endeavour to do them all the damage possible." He suggested that Captain William Wulff's command might be sent "to the entrance of the Narrows, and perhaps be able to surprise some of their Rear.” Ibid. By the “Narrows," James Mark Prevost was referring to the “Amelia Narrows" between Amelia Island and the mainland. For the letter, see Extract from a letter of Lieut. Colonel Prevost, 16th July 1778, Keith Papers 1; 107–8.
2. That is, St. Johns River.
3. The "Bluff" was Hester's Bluff on St Johns River.
4. In his letter, James Mark Prevost wrote that his advance force would need provisions, which he asked be forwarded to St. Marys River. Ibid.
