Alexander Hamilton to John Hancock, September 22, 1777

Philadelphia Sepr. 22d. 1777

Sir,

I left camp last evening and came to this city to superintend the collection of blankets and cloathing for the army. Mr. Lovel 1 sends to inform me there is an express going off to Congress, and I do myself the honor to communicate a brief state of things, when I left camp. The enemy moved yesterday from where they lay opposite to valley forge &c. higher up the river on their old scheme of gaining our right. I dont know precisely where they halted; but our army was preparing to move up also to counteract them. I am this morning told they marched about twelve oClock at night for that purpose. The general opinion was that the enemy would attempt crossing 2 this day. Every appearance justified the supposition.

We had intelligence that the enemy had the night before last surprised Generals Smallwood and Wayne and consequently dispersed them, after a small opposition. 3 The loss tis said was not great; and our troops were reassembling fast at the Red Lion. 4 This seems to have been a bad look-out and is somewhat disconcerting.

By a letter from General McDougall received this morning, it appears he was, on the 20th in the morning, at Second River just setting out on his march towards Woodbridge. 5 He is pressing forward with all possible expedition.

I have the honor to be   With much Respect   Sir   Your most Obed servt

A Hamilton ADC

PS The troops were pretty well refreshed & in good spirits.