Explains that he did not "arrive here till yesterday morning having been detained a day for my horse at West point; spent two days at head quarters, and been delayd part of two days more by the rains. " Reports that "General Gates has been unfortunate to the Southward: the particulars are not come to hand; but undoubtedly he has suffered greatly. The second Division of the French fleet is not arrived which greatly embarrasses General Washington's Operations: so that this Campaign opens heavily: but we are enured in this war to a Change of fortune: and the worst Incidents have been almost always productive of Success."

    (NHi: Duane Papers). Tr (NN: Bancroft Collection).