I had the Honor of writing to you yesterday in the morning.(1) Since that Time the following Intelligence recd. from Lord Sterling has changed the opinions of most Gentlemen with respect to the immediate operations of the Enemy.
"A certain Capt. Clure who was taken sometime since by the Enemy in a Merchant Ship, came out of New York yesterday, and gave me more particular Intelligence than I have been able to procure. He says that two hundred and fifty Sail of Transports are prepared for the reception of Troops. The Embarcation is in part begun. All the heavy Iron Cannon from the Batteries are shiped. Sixteen Sail of the Line to go on what they call the grand Expedition.
"I have this Moment received the report of the Officer I have fixed at Amboy to watch the Motions of the Enemy. He says Oct. the 16th twelve ships fell down to Sandy Hook. Oct. the 17th early in the morning about one hundred Sail of Ships of War and Transports fell down to the Hook. Their grand movement is on the point of taking place, and I hope to be able to morrow to know their Destination."
There is in the Secretarys office twenty copies of the first and second Volumes of the proceedings of Congress; If it is agreeable to the Assembly, I will have them packed up and sent by way of Cristeen to Annapolis.
The Flag that was coming to this City with the Manifesto and proclamation from the Commissioners is cast away on the Jersey shore.(2) Two officers and ten men were saved. They had three packets which were lossed. If the General Assembly is now sitting you will be pleased to communicate, this intelligence to them. I wrote to the Speaker yesterday(3) and gave him the News of the Day which was not as perfect as the present, which I believe may be depended on.
I am at present alone and from the important Business before Congress, respecting our finances and foreign Affairs, earnestly desire a representation as soon as any of my Colleagues can possibly attend.(4)
I am Sir with great respect to you and the Council, Your most obedient and very hble Servt, J. Henry Junr
[P.S.] The Letter from Sterling was dated on Saturday last.
1 Not found.
2 See Samuel Adams to Timothy Matlack, October 16, 1778, note.
3 Not found.
4 Maryland, which required the attendance of two delegates to cast its vote in Congress, was not represented again until William Carmichael and William Paca joined Henry on November 19 following the state's election of a new slate of delegates on November 13, 1778. JCC, 12:1141-42. Thomas Stone, who had attended briefly with Henry at the beginning of October, submitted a letter of resignation to the speaker of the Maryland House of Delegates on October 28, 1778. Roberts Collection, PHC.