Dear Sir

Our Situation becomes so exceedingly Critical and hazardous, without a prospect of a speedy relief from Your quarter, that I must again beg you to make all possible Interest in our behalf.

I will engage to be ready with four thousand men at any time upon ten or fifteen Days notice, to act in Conjunction with the like number of Brittish Troops or Loyalists, to Land at the Cheasepeak or other convenient place (heretofore mentioned), this number for Pennsylvania with proper Persons to command them,

You may depend upon and have great reason from the Genl. disposition of the people to conclude that Ten thousand may be rais'd, if there should be need.

I have taken pains to get at the true number of our sworn associates in Maryland and the three lower Counties on Delaware, and by the best Accounts they consist of three thousand men at least and may be rais'd on very short notice.

We have heard so great a Character of Col. SIMCOE as a soldier and Gentleman and of his Interest with Sir Henry CLINTON, that I wish You to relate the whole of our Situation, loyalty and numbers to him, and desire his Interest for us at Head Quarters, if it meets with Your approbation.

For further particulars we referr You to the Bearer who is well informed.

With best respects Your Humble servant,

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A true Copy, written and taken in haste
and since compared.
                    C.S. Jr.

[This letter would appear to have been written by Hugh KELLY, "Principal Associating Officer" of the Maryland Royal Retaliators.]

University of Michigan, William L. Clements Library, Simcoe Papers 1774-1824.

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Updated 12/15/99