Forgive me, dear sir, if I can not write to you as often as I wish—puzzled, perplexed, disappointed, and the devil and all, I have not one moment to spare, or to spend as I wish. I have just advanced to this post, having been for several weeks waiting the arrival of the militia, who I have impatiently expected. I have marched off this day the Georgia brigades. I follow to-morrow with Pinckney's. The enemy, it seems, wait for us at St. Mary's. I shall endeavor not to keep them long. Had I been seconded as I wished, something capital might have been effected. I, however, still am in hopes we shall (and indeed, I doubt not) have a few knocks, as their post must be broken up for the safety of this state and for theirs, must be defended, &c.