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Colonial and State Records of North Carolina
Letter from George Measam to Horatio Gates
Measam, George
September 21, 1780
Volume 14, Pages 634-635

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GEO. MEASAM TO MAJ. GEN. GATES.

Philadelphia, 21st Septr. 1780.

Dear General:

By Col. Senf I did myself the Honor of writing you. I now have to inform you that Congress have received certain information that Adml. Rodney with 10 Sail of the Line is arrived at the Hook; and no certain accounts of the 2d. Division of the French Fleet having arrived in any of our Ports. The 1st Division is still in Rhode Island, and I fear in iminent danger. For it is reported to Congress that a Large Embarkation is making at N. York of heavy Cannon; and it is said (but I believe with less assurance) that the Virginia Refugees were ordered to embark on board the Fleet. We may with probability suppose their intention is either Rhode Island, to reduce the French Fleet, blocked up by Graves, or in Virginia, perhaps at Portsmouth, to Land a Body of Troops and establish a Post there, to endeavor to effect a Conquest of all the Southern States, with the assistance of their friends, and our secret enemies, the Tories, of whom I fear You flnd Legions, that only wait a proper opportunity to Join them. But I should hope you will have better information of the designs of the enemy than my imagination is capable of giving; but my anxiety for your wellfair, honor and glory prompts my desire to give you every information that I think can be the least serviceable.

I think I can discover that it is the desire of Congress at least I know it is of some of the Members; that you push on again without delay. They think it is very practicable, since some of your Partizans on the Flank, and even in the rear of the enemy, have met with success, since the fatal day that the dastardly Militia deprived you of immortal Honor; but of this you are the best Judge. I beg you will not think I presume to advise you; I only mean to inform, that you may write, or ask as your Judgment shall direct.

I hinted in my last that a motion had been made in Congress by one of the Committee Returned from Camp, to give to the General greater powers, such as would not only Govern the Country, but to Dictate or Controle Congress. But it was taken to pieces

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by Govern. Howley in such a masterly manner, that it met with little or no support, and was thrown out. This I give for your information only, with reference to Major McGill for further particulars.

I have the Honor to be,
With sentiments of esteem and respect,
Most sincerely, My Dr. General,
Your Most obedt. Servt.,
GEO. MEASAM.
Major General Gates.