New York, April 13, 1781.
My Lord:
As it appears, even from the Rebel account of the action, that your Lordship has gained a victory over Greene; and it is probable he may in consequence have repassed the Roanoke, I beg leave to submit to your Lordship the propriety of your coming to Chesapeak Bay in a frigate as soon as you have finished your arrangements for the security of the Carolinas, and you judge that affairs there are in such a train as no longer to require your presence; directing at the same time such troops to follow you thither, as your lordship is of opinion can be best spared.
By Lieutenant Colonel Bruce's arrival I am made acquainted that six British regiments are intended as an immediate reinforcement to the army under my command; should therefore any of these Corps stop at Carolina your Lordship may probably direct them either to replace such troops as follow you, or to proceed immediately to the Chesapeak.
Agreeable to what I have already said to your Lordship in my letters of the 1st of June and 6th of November, it is my wish that you should continue to conduct operations as they advance Northerly; for, except as a visitor, I shall not probably move to Chesapeak, unless Washington goes thither in great force. The success which has hitherto attended your Lordship excites the fullest assurance of its continuance; and as it is my inclination to assist your operations to the utmost extent of my power, I am convinced, from your disinterestedness, that you will not ask from me a larger proportion of troops than I can possibly spare.
As this goes by an unarmed vessel to Chesapeak, Major General Phillips will add what he thinks necessary to it, and forward it to Cape Fear.
The Admiral has at last consented that the Medea shall sail for Cape Fear, as soon as she is ready. Perhaps your Lordship may take that opportunity of Returning in her; and, as we can prevail upon the Admiral, or Commanding Naval Officer here, to spare
Captain Duncan to conduct the naval part of our business in the Chesapeak, I think we shall have gained a great point.