I do myself the honor to inclose your Excellency a copy of my letter to Congress containing an account of the evacuation of Charles Town, on which happy event I beg leave to congratulate you. It has been long in expectation, and for some time past seemed to hang in doubtful suspence. This, together with the liberation of all the militia on parole in the southern States, places them on the most pleasing footing; but I am affraid they will turn their attention too much to private repose for the public safety.

By the inclosed piece of intelligence it appears New York is to be evacuated in the spring. The person who gives this information has a pretty good opportunity to know the designs of the enemy. Should the evacuation of New York take place, and the War continue our land force I imagine will be employed against Canada, or suffer a reduction to promote an increase of the Navy. The last will become much the most important to the American interest, if the enemy evacuate the United States. But a report prevails here, which I think will most assuredly bring about a Peace; that is, the Spaniards having taken Gibralter. It is said the Duke de Crillon stormed the place, and carried it with the loss of ten thousand men. The account comes from different quarters, and I believe may be depended on.

In consequence of a resolution of Congress authorising me to retain only such of the late levies of North Carolina, as I might think necessary, together with the difficulty of subsisting a large body of troops, which difficulty increases daily, I have dismissed all but one Regiment, which from the short time they were engaged, the State of Finance, the expence of cloathing, and the prospect of repose, I hope your Excellency will approve of. It is so late in the season, and a march to the northward so tedious I shall detain the Legion untill I have your farther orders if I can subsist them of which I am not a little doubtful.

I wrote to your Excellency respecting the fortifications of Charles Town; and am now fully convinced that it cannot be made tenable but at a great expence, and with a larger force than the importance of the place can Authorise. I wish to have your opinion on the subject as early as possible. In the mean time I shall recommend the plan of fortification mentioned in my former letters.

I have fixed upon no place yet for hutting the troops for the Winter; but I have in view James Island both for health, convenience, and protection of the trade of the State, which will be much infested by Privateers from St Augustine. Cloathing I am in hopes we shall be able to obtain a sufficiency to put the troops in a comfortable condition; and could we effect contracts for subsistance, we should have an agreeable repose after a long, and painful service. The issue of the southern operations I flatter myself must be no less pleasing to you than to me, and the cloud is totally dispelled that hung upon the Southern Hemisphere with such a threatening brow. I have the honor to be with great respect—Your Excellency’s Most Obedient Humble Servant