U.S. History

From James Bowdoin.

Boston, 29 May, 1780.

DEAR SIR,

Yesterday, at five o’clock, P. M., I received your Excellency’s letter of the 15th, with the inclosed to Major-General Heath. As it was of importance he should have it as soon as may be, I immediately went with it to Roxbury, and delivered it to him. I told him I would assist him in inquiring for information relative to the particulars mentioned in your letter, and, if I should obtain any worth notice, I will communicate it to your Excellency.*

It appears probable the enemy have got information of what is intended; for they know, by a packet arrived at New York from England, that a squadron of men-of-war, with troops, had sailed from Brest for this part of America; and last Thursday a vessel, which arrived here on Saturday, saw a number of ships standing to the eastward, which the people judged were going to Halifax; probably the same which, on that day, we received intelligence had some days before sailed from New York with two thousand troops on board. These repeated drafts, one would think, must so much weaken New York, as to make it impressible by a force not very large; so that in such a divided state of their troops, both places may fall into our hands, if we spiritedly coöperate with our allies; which, so far as this State may be concerned, I doubt not will be the case, when their arrival is known, or rather, when your Excellency shall make the requisition.

I am much obliged for the intelligence concerning the state of things at Charleston. Our direct intelligence is to the 27th of April, and that on the 22d, at night, an attack of the enemy was repelled, with a loss on their part of eight hundred, as appears by our last newspapers. What was their real loss, I think is uncertain. Fervently wishing their total defeat there, and a successful campaign on our part, I have the honor to be, with the most respectful regards, Sir, your Excellency’s

Most obedient, humble servant,

JAMES BOWDOIN.

* Intelligence concerning the condition of the naval arsenals and garrison at Halifax, with the view of ascertaining the expediency of an attempt against that place by the French fleet. See the letter to General Heath, in Washington’s Writings, Vol. VII. p. 36.