Sir:

By Lord Cornwallis's directions I had the Honor of writing to your Excellency on the 29th Instant, detailing to your Excellency the circumstances which had obliged Lord Cornwallis to relinquish the attempt of penetrating to Hillsborough, and enclosing the Copy of a Letter which his Lordship made me write to Major General Leslie upon that occasion.

On further consideration, His Lordship reflecting upon the difficulties of a defensive war, & the hopes which your Excellency would probably build of our success in this quarter, has thought it advisable not only to recommend more strongly to Major General Leslie a plan which may enable us to take an active part, but even to make it his request, in case it should not be incompatible with your Excellency's further arrangements.

Lord Cornwallis is particularly induced to invite Major General Leslie to co-operation in Cape Fear river by the supposition that your Excellency may not want these troops during the winter; and they may join your Excellency in the Spring, scarcely later than should they on the approach of that Season sail from any part of the Chesapeake Bay.

A further motive proceeds from the little prospect that the Expedition on its original plan should compass any service adequate to its force & to your Excellency's expectations. However, as views might subsist which were not explained to Lord Cornwallis, His Lordship has not ventured absolutely to order the descent in Cape Fear River; And the enclosed Copy of the second Letter written to Major General Leslie will satisfy your Excellency upon what terms the measure has been pressed.