From George Washington to Major General Horatio Gates, 21 July 1778
To Major General Horatio Gates
Head Qrs [White Plains] July the 21st 1778
Sir
I have been favoured with yours of this date with the Inclosures, respecting the prisoners sent from Bennington.1 previous to it’s coming to hand, I received a Letter from Governor Clinton, with a Copy of an Address from the prisoners to him & of a Letter from the Committee of Albany; all remonstrating against the proceedings had against these men.2 Under these circumstances, as I am determined not to involve myself in any dispute, not coming properly within my cognisance, I shall order the men to West point, there to remain under the care of the Commanding Officer at that post, till the pleasure of Congress is known upon the subject, to whom I shall transmit all the papers, which I have received relating to it, by the first opportunity. I am Sir Yr Most Obedt servt
Go: Washington
LS, in Robert Hanson Harrison’s writing, NHi: Gates Papers; Df, DLC:GW; Varick transcript, DLC:GW.
1. Gates’s letter to GW of this date has not been found. For the enclosures, see GW to George Clinton, this date, n.1. Also on this date, GW’s aide Tench Tilghman wrote Gates, “His Excellency has not yet returned from his Ride, the moment he does yours shall be delivered to him” (NHi: Gates Papers).
2. See Clinton to GW, 20 July, and note 1 to that document.