[Draft] Ashley Hill Decemb 5th 1782 My Dear General, I have flattered myself from time to time with the pleasure of hearing from you - If you had been in my situation without news to communicate yet the pleasure of hearing of your & Mrs Weedon's welfare would have been a very acceptable Letter - We have all been in the utmost state of Suspense with respect to Charles Town . I believe it will not [delay?] any longer admit of a doubt and a few days will give us the long wished f[illegible] possession of that place. The refugees are al embarked and the Hessians are said to have gone on board yesterday. This event will very desirably add another plume to the Generals caper that Gentleman has great merit but from what cause I cannot find out a majority of the army here are not so fond of him as they were Eighteen months ago, p[illegible] at best is uncertain, the action of the g[illegible] will bear scrutiny will be Esteem'd by the deserving part of mention'd [page break] as such General Greene's Character will now stand high The late arrangements of this Army you must be acquainted with, I was from Seniority intitled to command as well as upon a principal of Each Regts Offering their own Troops, after a struggle I finally determined to serve & am arranged from some conversations I have had with the General It is a reduced to a certainty that I remain in this Country at least the Winter, I have been unfortunate enough to lose one of my Horses with the blind Staggers and as in Consequence nearly dismounted - You once offered me Horse flesh for my Certificates, at that time I was not in want If Certificates are not much depreciated & it is agreeable to You , I Will take one or two fine horses in part - provided they are young and well broke - I shall have no manner of doubt of this matter and request you will act for me in the manner you think best altho' I want a fine Horse exceedingly yet I can do without him of course My Dear Sir you will judge & be rul'd accordingly Should you determine to send me one or two Horses there will be some Officers of the Regiment coming out this winter Colo Baylor can inform you & will take charge of the Horses - I do not expect an Opportunity for this until our friend Major Burnet Sets out to the Matropolis with the General Dispatches after the Surrender or evacuation [illegible] - He will of course inform you of every thing so I shall put on the [torn] - present me in the most respect[torn] manner to Mrs Weedon and believe that [torn] wth real regard & Esteem my Dear General Your most Obed & H Servant J Swan [address leaf] The Honble Brigr General Weedon at Fredericksburg [docket] From Maj Swan 1782