George Washington Papers
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https://founders.archives.gov/documents/Washington/03-23-02-0586

From George Washington to Samuel Huntington, 30 December 1779

To Samuel Huntington

Head Quarters Morristown 30th Decr 1779.

Sir

I have been honored with your Excellency’s dispatch of the 24th inclosing two acts of Congress of the 23d and 24th instant.

Since the information transmitted Congress of the sailing of a fleet with troops from New-York,1 I have received accounts which though not as decisive as some I expect, yet I have reason to believe will not fall short of the number detatched. As the intelligence stands, the troops which have sailed, are six British regiments, the grenadiers and light infantry of the army, Rawdons corps, the legion, the Queens Rangers, and the Hessian Grenadiers. These will make about five thousand effectives.2

I should hope before this that circumstances have enabled the march of the Virginia troops from Trenton; as well on account of the importance of the object which called them away, as the relief it would afford to our supplies, but particularly as it regards the forage necessary for the support of the communication, and this army.3 I have the honor to be with the greatest regard Your Excellencys most obt servt

Go: Washington

LS, in James McHenry’s writing, DNA:PCC, item 152; Df, DLC:GW; copy, DNA:PCC, item 169; Varick transcript, DLC:GW. Congress read GW’s letter on 4 Jan. 1780 (JCC, description begins Worthington Chauncey Ford et al., eds. Journals of the Continental Congress, 1774-1789. 34 vols. Washington, D.C., 1904–37. description ends 16:12).

2For an overview of the British expedition from New York City to Charleston, S.C., see Anthony Wayne to GW, 26 Dec., source note.

3For the march of the Virginia line to the southern department, see GW to Huntington, 29 Nov., and the source note to that document.

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