Head Quarters, New Windsor, January 2, 1781.

    Sir: It was with great satisfaction I received the polite Letter, which you did me the honor to write on the 26th. Ulto. but at the same time I sincerely condole with you the misfortune which has happened to the Spanish Fleet that was destined against Pensacola; I hope however that the Transports may be reassembled without loss, and that the expedition may yet prove successful.

    On the 22d. of Decr. the Fleet sailed from New York, which carried the Detachment I mentioned in my Letter of the 14th. Ulto. The Light Infantry and Grenadiers, with some other Corps which were at first under orders of embarkation, were afterwards countermanded, and consequently the number of Troops was not so great as had been reported, amounting to only 1600 Men by the best intelligence we have been able to obtain. This Detachment instead of being commanded by the Generals Knyphausen and Philips, it is said will be under the orders of Arnold, and supposed to be designed as a reinforcement to the Southern Army of the Enemy. I have the honor etc. ⁷⁷

[Note:The draft is in the writing of David Humphreys.]