Autograph letter signed : Brighton, to an unidentified recipient, 1782 Oct. 23.

Concerning the actions of Sir Henry Clinton and Lord Cornwallis at Yorktown; commenting, after a review of letters between Clinton and Cornwallis, that he does not "think his Lordship explains himself so fully, as in point of Candour might have been expected, for admitting the reality of the doubts suggested respecting his [illegible] opinion of the Propriety to retain that Post without satisfactory assurances of relief from New York, it could not escape the observation of his Lordship that those assurances must depend on the Fleet altogether, without which it would have been impossible for Sir H.C. to have thrown in the necessary Succours; It is demonstratable that Sir H.C. took every Step in his power to forward the Embarkation; & if the exertions of an Enemy, greatly superior in numbers, obliged the Troops under Ld. C. to surrender, before the intended assistance could be sent, no Blame is imputeable to the Commander in Chief at New York;" discussing the reliance Henry Clinton put on information he was given about the British fleet's ability to provide assistance; adding "if the Gallantry of the Brittish Troops & the cool Courage of Ld. C. was by these means exposed to a useless exertion, which necessarily terminated in Defeat, they have every right to the generous applause of their Countrymen for their Bravery, & of the truest concern for their Misfortunes, but the Conduct of Sir H.C. is not in the slightest degree impeachable or any portion of the Distress imputeable to him. Upon the whole it appears to me that it would not in have tarnished Ld C's Honor, to have spoken more clearly & with greater precision on his Answer to your Letter, & I do concurr in opinion that the omitting to do so might give ignorant or partial men, an opportunity of passing an unjust Censure."