To George Washington from Major General John Sullivan, 18 November 1778
From Major General John Sullivan
Providence [R.I.] Novemr 18th 1778
My Dear General
I am Just Returnd from the western Shore. I find Byron has Eleven Ships of the Line Strung along in the Channel a 74 has Lately come in Dis Masted There are a number of other Ships nearer in toward the Town which I Suppose to be Frigates & transports.1 Every Account Seems to Speak an Evacuation Though not So Sudden as I once thought—the Dismasting his 74 will I think Detain them Some time I have nothing further worth your Excellys attention. I have the honor to be with the highest Respect & Esteem Dear General your Excellenceys Most obedt & very Humble Servt
Jno. Sullivan
P.S: Since writing the above, have recievd information that the French Fleet has capturd a 64 Gun Ship and sent her into Portsmouth—From the Channel of Conveyance I believe the Report.2
ALS, DLC:GW.
1. Admiral John Byron’s fleet, which entered Providence harbor on 13 Nov., consisted of the ships Princess Royal, Royal Oak, Grafton, Conqueror, Fame, Trident, Raisonable, Albion, Sultan, Cornwall, and Renown ( , 2:419). For the dismasted British ships, see Stirling to GW, 17 Nov., and n.1 to that document.
2. The postscript is in a different handwriting. The Norwich Packet (Conn.) of 23 Nov. reported that a 90-gun had been captured by the French and brought into Portsmouth, N.H., but it was only a rumor.