[Draft] Head Quarters high hills Santee August 7th 1781 My dear friend If accounts are true that New York is seriously invested, you must be the hero of the day. Methinks I hear the Cannon roar while I am writing. The shells and the shot, fired from the besiegers, and the besieged, must make a terrible rattling. The splendor of such a siege, will sink our puny operations into nothing. But after you have done at New York, it is to be hoped you [2] will come to the Southward; and unfetter the poor unfortunate Inhabitants of Charles town. I should be happy to see my old friend McDougall, in the field of speculation. How goes on his chapter of difficulties, the siege of New York I image will afford him a large collection of materials? Where is How[e] with his nose, has he left off his part, or forgiven the levy that insulted it so grossly at Morris town? The story is told even in this Country, and I declare upon my honor I did not bring it here. Where is the noble [3] Earl, I hope Lee's had an opportunity to review the ground on Long Island and I presume every officers of note in the French Army have heard in detail the particulars - We have had a report here that Genl. Howe & he had, had a duel, but I did not believe it. Honest fellows what have they to quarrel about? I am sending Aid de Camp after Aid de Camp to get news from the Northward. I am not a little apprehensive the people on the road will think the Southern Army is broken up - [4] I hear so much, and know so little, that I am determined to be better informed. Morris will inform you of his errand, which I suppose will be full explained to you, long before he can reach Head quarters. Burnet went principally for the recovery of his health. Where has Mrs Knox taken post during your operations? I beg you will present her my most affectionate regards; and I hope you will not get in the way of a four and twenty pounder; but will return to her with whole bones. Yours aff NGreene My compliments to honest Shaw [docket] From Genl Green 7 Augt 1781 -