94 CALENDAR OF THE WEEDON CORRESPONDENCE. [May 5, 



Muhlenberg, Gen. {continued^-. 



having destroyed all boats. Force of enemy too large to per- 

 mit of his attacking them. Capt. Gaines with small body of 

 horse surprised the advance picket. Officer of the guard, a 

 Hessian, lost his life through speaking English imperfectly. 

 Any chance of getting arms for militia ? 



P. S. — Twenty-two bushels of oysters just arrived. No. 51. 



1 780. — November j. Stoners Mills. — Since writing has received en- 

 closed letters from Gen. Gregory and Col. Lamb. Enemy's 

 present manoeuvres make reinforcements at this post absolutely 

 necessary. Advises Gen. Weedon if he moves down to take the 

 nearest route to Stoners Mills. Flag just got to Smithfield 

 from Portsmouth, with letter from Mr. Blair on a very frivo- 

 lous errand. Intends writing to Gen. Leslie to send flag only 

 when there is something worth communicating. [No. 54. 



1780. — November II. Stoners Mills. — Just received his favor by 

 express; glad to hear that he is coming on. Enemy lie still 

 from choice, while he does it from necessity. Has a plan to 

 surprise the enemy's post at Dr. Hall's, but will put it off until 

 Gen. Weedon's arrival. Ship-carpenters not needed at his 

 post. Expects Gen. Weedon and Gen. Nelson to supper 

 Monday evening, " hail, rain or snow." No. 58. 



1 781. — April 6. Camp fie arSc off s. — Acknowledging letter of the 

 4th. Sent Gen. Phillips's letter, regarding exchange of prison- 

 ers, to the Baron. Enemy's designs uncertain. Thinks their 

 main object a junction with Cornwallis, by which route time 

 only will discover. Two deserters from Portsmouth insist that 

 Gen. Phillips has only two regiments. Advantages of 

 his own position; description of the distribution of his 

 forces. No. 77. 



1784. — February 75. Philadelphia. — Acknowledging favors of 

 loth and 18th of January. Never received letter enclosing 

 Act of Assembly. Inconvenience of having to set out at 

 once at such short notice for the meeting at Louisville. In- 

 structions concerning personal money matters in case he fails 

 to return from this expedition. Laments the selling of Gen. 

 Weedon's lands and the consequent end of their fishing 

 together. The effect on Mrs. Muhlenberg. Would like to 

 send by post some new books, but it costs too much. Baron 

 Steuben hard at work. No. 150. 



