Camp Cowper's Mills, Sept. 1st, 1781.
Dear Genl.:
I have the pleasure to inform you that the long expected French Fleet has at last Arrived in our Bay. It Consists of One Ship of 110 Guns, Three of eighty, Seventeen of Seventy-four, Six of Sixtyfour, one of fifty, one of forty, Three Frigates of Thirty-Six & one Cutter, with Six Thousand Land forces. In Consequence of the said fleet's Arrival, Lord Cornwallis is about Moving from York to James Town & is getting his Boats across from Queen's Creek to the Colledge Landing from thence to James Town & there to Cross James River to Cobham, from that place to South Carolina. Genl. Wayne & Genl. Muhlenberg are on this Side James River & I expect some of the French Frigates will go up the River in Order to prevent his Lordship's Crossing, but should he Cross you may expect to See us in your Quarter of the Country. His Lordship must never be suffer'd to Cross Roanoke. I think we have him Secure & its our own inattention to our Instrust if he escapes. I have nothing more to ad at Present but am With every Sentimt. of Esteem D. Genl.
N. B. Excuse the paper & haste.