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Wilmington, North-Carolina, October 7, 1776.
SIR: Brigadier Howe being now at Charlestown, permit
As the military affairs of this State are not in so much forwardness as could be wished, I shall stay one day here and one in Halifax, in order to represent to the Council of Safety now sitting at that place, several matters of importance to the future defence of these States, particularly that of South- Carolina; and if health permits shall make but a short stay at Carlisle, and wait your further commands at Philadelphia. The English shipping which lay at Cape Fear are entirely gone off, having first burnt three vessels unfit for service. A negro who deserted them says he heard they were bound to New-York.
I am, sir, with perfect respect, your most obedient, humble
servant
JOHN ARMSTRONG.
To the Hon˙ John Hancock.
General Armstrong to the President of Congress
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me to acquaint you I am this far on my way to the northward, having first obtained the consent of General Lee, and shall be happy to find my return may not be disagreeable to Congress; but still more so should my motives be found to be such as to meet the approbation of that honourable body.