Head Quarters, Newbridge, Bergen County, September 8, 1780.

    Sir: The great preparations of General Clinton have hitherto resulted in nothing more than the sailing of a fleet of about Ninety vessels of different sizes for Europe with a few invalids. We are however still amused with rumours of an embarkation; but these now go upon a new and more probable ground, a decent upon Virginia. We have just received the most disagreeable advices from General Gates, of a defeat of the Army under his command near Cambden in South Carolina the 16th. of last month; in which the greatest part of his best troops were cut off. We have not yet the details. This event must have the worst effect upon the affairs of the Southern states; nor is it easy to say how far its influence may extend. It is on this account, I should not be astonished if the enemy should really make a detachment of three or four thousand men to Virginia.

    If convenient to you, I have the honor to propose the 20th. instant for our interview at Hartford, where I hope we shall be able to combine some plan of future operation which events will enable us to execute. Our plans however can only turn upon possibilities, which is the more unfortunate as the affairs of this Country absolutely require activity on whatever side they are viewed.

    I intend to conceal here the time of the intended interview. I dare say you will think it advisable to do the same on your part.

    I had the pleasure of receiving last night your letter of the 3d. instant. With the truest esteem etc.

    P.S. I have also rec'd your letter of the 26th. and [ sic ] happy to find my dispatches have all got safe. The Marquis de la Fayette and the Commandant of Artillery²⁵ and Engineers ²⁶ will accompany me. ²⁷

[Note:Brig. Gen Henry Knox.]

[Note:Lieut. Col. Jean Baptiste Gouvion.]

[Note:The draft is in the writing of Alexander Hamilton; the P. S. is in that of Richard Kidder Meade.]