The Honorable Genl. Gates.
Dr. General:
This Morning at Nine oClock I arrived at this place, where I found Genl. Huger and Coll. White the later very sick with a fiever. Just when I was to set off for Coll. Williams's, Governor Rutledge arrived here, to go to Hillsburgh; and of Course not gone further this day.
If there should be an Opportunity for Richmond, I would be infinitely oblig'd to you to send me an Order concerning the Business I am agoing upon, that in Case of Necessity I may produce such to the Governor, or to the Generals, where I should have Business with. Upon Conversing with Governor Rutledge You will find it highly necessary. I begg pardon not remembering to You again before I parted. Should not be for all Business, I am going for, no Occasion; still, it will do no Harm—I shall try my Best.
In a Letter to Governor Rutledge from Mr. Penn, I happily conceiv'd Your Intention towards Coles Bridge. I begg to remember the two Boats, which form a flatt, if required, and the two Waggons belonging to it; some tar and Oakum, wh'ch has been left at Wilcock's Iron Works on Deep River they may be of Service.
Fifteen Miles from Hillsborough, on the road to Genl. Parsons' in my Coming from Philadelphia, I have been seen laying aSide of the road a Traveling forge, of which one of the Axeltree was broke, and so left in the road, and no Body to take Care of it. I have fergot to mentioned.
Genl. Huger request me to inform You that he is to meet the Cavallery tomorrow 22 miles from here.