Alexander Hamilton to John Laurens, 4 February, 1781

Col Armand, My Dear friend, who is charged with the Marquis’s dispatches will set out in half an hour. It is fortunate that nothing very important since you left us has occurred, for I should scarcely have liesure to communicate it.

By a late letter from Greene he had taken a new position on the left of Charlotte at the Cheraws, which brings him nearer to Cross creek, enables him the better to awe that disaffected settlement and draw supplies from thе lower Country. He had left Morgan with a party of observation on the other side of the Peedee to restrain the enemy within as narrow limit as possible to protect and inspirit the upper country and to form a number of small magazines in his rear. He gives a deplorable picture of the situation of his army, destitute of everything.

Leslie he says had landed at Charles Town and was marching to join Cornwallis. The junction effected he supposes of course they will recommence the offensive.

Armand, will give you the particulars of Arnolds incursion to Richmond in Virginia; when our – accounts came away, he was at ⟨– –⟩ the place of his debarkation; but ⟨– –⟩ subsequent report of his having left the bay.

The enemy here seem to be doing nothing. About a fortnight since they were embarking some heavy cannon and stores. But of late we have heard of no further preparations. It is probable those were with a view to our interior disurbances and have ceased with them.

You will have heard that part of the Jersey troops having emulated the Pensylvanians; there was no ⟨–⟩ interposition and, of course, we uncivilly compelled them to an unconditional surrender and hanged their most incendiary leaders.

I promised to give you an account of the progress of the disquiets in this state. More judicious men have in several counties diverted the malcontents from the project of a convention which was no doubt of tory origin to subvert the present government and introduce confusion; but petitions and remonstrances to the legislature on the grievances, which the people suppose they labour under will be universal. I hope however these little commotions will for the present subside without any dangerous consequences.

I have just received a letter from General Schuyler in which he tells me of a motion made by him and which he had no doubt would be carried, to invite the several states to a meeting in Convention as soon as possible for the purpose of finally concluding a solid confederation to give sufficient powers to Congress for calling forth the resources of the country. The establishment of funds for the support of the war is to be a primary object of the Convention, and to this end it is proposed by this state to relinquish such a portion of its unlocated lands as will suffice for creating a new state. I am pleased with this motion and I devoutly pray it success in all its stages. The plan for a new state will greatly assist our friends and if rightly understood by foreigners will operate as an inducement to lend us money. I have not time to enlarge; if the plan be put into a train of success I will give you details of it, as it may be of use to you.

They are recruiting in Pennsylvania with success and we are told the Eastern States are making great efforts; of this you will be better able to judge than we; but it is the issue of your commission which will determine the utility of these efforts and of all the others we can or may make. A loan of money is the sine qua non. Adieu my beloved friend. Do justice to my regard for you. Assure yourself that it is impossible more ardently to wish for your health safety pleasure and success than I do. God send you speedily back to us.

Adieu

A Hamilton

We just learn that Maryland has acceeded to the Confederation. This is ⟨– –⟩ point. We have it not officially; but I believe there is no doubt of it.