Susquehanna (Wrights Ferry), October 26, 1794.
Dear Sir: A little advanced of this, yesterday afternoon, I met an Express with the letters herewith enclosed for you, with others for the Army; with which I have directed him to proceed.
Thus far I have proceeded without accident to man, horse or Carriage, altho' the latter has had wherewith to try its goodness; especially in ascending the North Mountain from Skinners by a wrong road; that is, by the old road which (never was good) and is rendered next to impassible by neglect.
I heard great complaints of Gurney's14 Corps (and some of the Artillery) along the road to Strasburgh. There I parted from their Rout. In some places, I was told they did not leave a plate, a spoon, a glass or a knife; and this owing, in a great measure as I was informed, to their being left without Officers. At most if not all the encampments, I found the fences in a manner burnt up. I pray you to mention this to Govr. Mifflin (and indeed to the Qt. Mr. General) 15 with a request (to the former) that the most pointed orders may be given, and every precaution used, to prevent the like on the return of the Army. If the Officers, from impatience to get home, should leave their respective commands; in a word, if they do not march with, and keep the Soldiers in their ranks and from stragling or loitering behind, the borderers on the road will
[Note:Col. Francis(?) Gurney. ]
[Note:Col. James O'Hara. ]
There were some letters put into the hands of Govr. Lee which it would be well for you to repossess yourself of. Among these were two to Messrs. Lynn, Mr. Ross 16 to you and Messrs. Findley's and Redicks' 17 to me. Occasion may require them.
[Note:John Lynn, deputy inspector, and James Ross. ]
[Note:John Findley and David Redick (Reddick), insurgents. ]
I rode yesterday afternoon thro' the rain from York Town to this place, and got twice in the height of it hung, (and delayed by that means) on the rocks in the middle of the Susquehanna, but I did not feel half as much for my own situation as I did on acct. of the Troops on the Mountains, and of the effect the rain might have on the Roads through the glades.
I do not intend further than Lancaster to day. But on Tuesday, if no accident happens I expect to be landed in the City of Philadelphia. My best wishes attend you, and all with you. Yours sincerely.
PS. I hope you will be enabled by Hook , or by Crook , to send B -- and H -- 18 together with a certain Mr. Guthrie, to Philadelphia for their winter Quarters. 19
[Note:David Bradford and Herman Husband, insurgents. ]
[Note:From the Hamilton Papers in the Library of Congress. ]