Third despatch, dated Ice Town, 26th June, 1778, quarter before seven: “When I got there [referring to a previously expressed purpose to go to Ice Town for provisions], I was sorry to hear that Mr. Hamilton [Colonel Alexander Hamilton of Washington’s staff], who had been riding all night, had not been able to find any one who could give him certain intelligence: but by a party who came back, I hear the enemy are in motion and their rear about one mile off the place they had occupied last night, which is seven or eight miles from here. I immediately put General Maxwell’s and Wayne’s brigades in motion, and I will fall lower down, with General Scott’s and Jackson’s regiments and some militia. I should be very happy if we could attack them before they halt. If I cannot overtake them, we could lay at some distance and attack them to-morrow morning.... If we are at a convenience from you, I have nothing to fear in striking a blow, if opportunity is offered.” “Special.—If you believe it, or if it is believed necessary, or useful, to the good of the service and the honor of General Lee, to send him down with a couple of thousand men, or any greater force, I will cheerfully obey and serve him, not only out of duty, but what I owe to that gentleman’s character.” The explanation of this passage is of interest, as it happily illustrates the spirit with which Washington and Lafayette operated in this important engagement, where very grave discretionary responsibility devolved upon so young an officer as the French Marquis.