October 6, 1778.
My Lord: I have had just now the honor of your letters of the 4th and 5th Instt.
As we are often obliged to reason on the designs of the enemy, from the appearances which come under our own observation and the information of our spies, we cannot be too attentive to those things which may afford us new light. Every minutiæ should have a place in our collection, for things of a seemingly triffling nature when conjoined with others of a more serious cast may lead to very valuable conclusions. The particular kind of forage which the enemy are now amassing in Jersey, may have a tendency this way. Whether it is long or short, such as is usually stored in their magazines for the winter, or procured as provender in sea voyages. You will endeavour my Lord to ascertain these matters of information, as well as to collect such further circumstances and facts as may be useful to inform our judgment as to their designs or destination. I am, etc. 81
[Note:The draft is in the writing of James McHenry. ]