From George Washington to the Continental Navy Board, 12 November 1777

To the Continental Navy Board

Head Quarters [Whitemarsh, Pa.] 12 Novemr 1777

Gentlemen

I have your favr of the 10th and am only sorry that I did not sooner know my request of sinking the Frigates had been complied with. The delay of the Resolve of Congress, from the time you first applied for their advice, was what led me into a mistake, and I am obliged to you for the genteel manner in which you excuse me.1 I am perfectly satisfied with the measures which you have taken to secure the shipping and desire when you have no further occasion for the Men that they may be disposed of as directed in my former Letters.2 I am with great Respect Gentn Yr most obt Servt.

Df, in Tench Tilghman’s writing, DLC:GW; two Varick transcripts, DLC:GW.

1. Although the Continental Navy Board had forwarded GW’s instructions to Congress on 27 Oct., Congress did not pass its resolution concerning the American frigates on the Delaware River until 4 November.

2. In his letters to the Continental Navy Board of 25 Oct. and 9 Nov., GW had suggested that the crews of the soon-to-be scuttled ships be sent to join Commo. John Hazelwood’s naval forces as soon as possible.

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Source Project: Washington Papers
Title: From George Washington to the Continental Navy Board, 12 November 1777
Author: Washington, George
Recipient: Continental Navy Board
Date: 12 November 1777

Reference

Cite as: “From George Washington to the Continental Navy Board, 12 November 1777,” Founders Online, National Archives, https://founders.archives.gov/documents/Washington/03-12-02-0212. [Original source: The Papers of George Washington, Revolutionary War Series, vol. 12, 26 October 1777 – 25 December 1777, ed. Frank E. Grizzard, Jr. and David R. Hoth. Charlottesville: University Press of Virginia, 2002, p. 224.]

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