From George Washington to Colonel Elias Dayton, 17 May 1780
To Colonel Elias Dayton
Head Quarters Morris Town 17th May 1780
Sir
I have recd yours of the 15th. I shall be glad to be informed whether the Fleet mentioned by you, as having sailed on thursday last,1 consisted of armed ships or Merchant men, and if the former, their number—force,2 and destination.3 I am Sir Yr most obt Servt.
Df, in Tench Tilghman’s writing, DLC:GW; Varick transcript, DLC:GW.
1. The previous Thursday was 11 May.
2. Tilghman inadvertently wrote “froce;” on the draft.