1George Washington to Major Richard Howell, 5 October 1778 (Hamilton Papers)
Fishkill [ New York ] October 5, 1778 . Orders Howell to check on rumor that British fleet has sailed in search of French fleet. Df , in writing of H, George Washington Papers, Library of Congress. Howell was a major of the Second New Jersey Regiment.
2From George Washington to Major Richard Howell, 5 October 1778 (Washington Papers)
I have just received a letter from Danbury containing the following paragraph “Two sailors belonging to Cape Cod, who made their escape from the Prison-ship last monday night arrived here. They declare, That the British fleet of men of war sailed ten days ago in quest of the French fleet.” I cannot suppose this account to be well founded because I have heard nothing of the kind from you; and I...