From George Washington to John Hancock, 14 July 1777
To John Hancock
Vanaulens 8 Miles from Pumpton Plains [N.J.]
July 14: 1777.
Sir
I arrived here this Afternoon with the Army after a very fatiguing March owing to the Roads which have become extremely deep and miry from the late Rains. I intend to proceed in the Morning towards the North River, if the Weather permits; At present it is cloudy and heavy and there is an Appearance of more Rain.
By the Express, who will deliver this, I just now received a Letter from Genl Schuyler, advising for the first time, that Genl Sinclair is not in the Hands of the Enemy—As the Express has a large Packet for Congress from Genl Schuyler, I presume they will be informed of all the Intelligence he was possessed of respecting our Affairs in his department, & therefore shall not trouble them with a Copy of his Letter to myself upon the Subject.1 I should be happy if they had a more agreable aspect than they seem to have. I have the Honor to be Sir Your Most Obedt sert
Go: Washington
LS, in Robert Hanson Harrison’s writing, DNA:PCC, item 152; Df, DLC:GW; copy, DNA:PCC, item 169; Varick transcript, DLC:GW. Congress read this letter on 16 July (, 8:557). The addressed and docketed cover also contains GW’s signature.