Head Quarters, Springfield, June 18, 1780.
Dr Sir: I inclose you a letter from General Forman which I have this moment received. He is intirely to be depended on. There can be no doubt that this is Sir Henry Clinton from the Southward. All your exertions are necessary to be prepared for defence. Urge the application recommended to you in mine of the [15th. instant] to Governor Clinton for a succour of militia to make up your garrison to Two thousand five hundred efficient men or more if circumstances should require it. Address a second request to the Governor of Connecticut to press forward to your aid the state regiments and include the drafts for their batalions which you can detain 'till further order. Write also to the Council of Massachusetts intreating them to hasten on the reinforcements intended for their batalions. Put every thing in activity as far as may be in your power and be well upon your guard. The movements of the enemy will probably be rapid and a correspondent spirit of energy should animate our efforts. I am etc.38
[Note:The draft is in the writing of Alexander Hamilton. ]