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Colonial and State Records of North Carolina
Letter from Joseph Hewes to Richard Caswell
Hewes, Joseph, 1730-1779
November 24, 1778
Volume 13, Page 299

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HON. JOSEPH HEWES TO GOV. CASWELL.
[From Executive Letter Book.]

Edenton, 24th Nov. 1778.

Dear Sir:

I returned home a few days ago from Philadelphia, after a disagreeable journey, and find myself rather better in health than I have been for some time. Before I left the City a large Fleet supposed about 150 sail had gone from New York, under Convoy of several Men of War. From the best information we could then get, they were bound to Great Britain, having on Board Invalids, officers of reduced Regiments and Tories. I have a letter dated 3d Novr. since I left that place which informs me that all the British Troops were then embarked but not sailed; that the Fleet was lying at the Hook in all appearance ready; that the City of New York was garrisoned by about seven thousand men, chiefly Hessians, New Levies and Tories. I left Genl. Lee at Philadelphia soliciting Congress to reverse the sentence of the Court Martial respecting his behavior at the Battle of Monmouth when he first came to Town. I was told a large majority of Congress were for confirming it, but just as I was setting out, I was told the numbers were nearly equal, and I have no doubt by this time that General and his fast friend Rich'd H. Lee have prevailed on a majority to reverse it. The Politicians in Philadelphia were much divided in respect to the destination of the British Troops. I found a majority of them were of opinion they would part go to the West India Islands, and the remainder to Great Britain. It was pretty generally believed that we're not going to So. Carolina, as was at first expected. If it should prove so I hope I shall have the pleasure of seeing your Excellency at Halifax in January. I am with much respect and esteem Sir,

Your Excellency's mo. ob. & very huml. Servt.
JOSEPH HEWES.