From George Washington to Jonathan Trumbull, Sr., 22 October 1779
To Jonathan Trumbull, Sr.
Head Quarters West point 22d October 1779
Dear Sir
I have yet recd no official Accounts from the southward—The inclosed was brought the day before yesterday from Philada. The Gentleman who transmits the account from thence and Colo. Patton who brought the intelligence from North Carolina, are both so worthy of credibility that I flatter myself it will prove substantially true—altho’ it is difficult to account for its not having arrived officially to Philada as so much time had elapsed since the Action is said to have happened.1
The enemy yesterday set fire to and abandonned their Works upon Stoney and Verplanks points and have fallen down the River.2 I have the honor to be with the highest Respect and Esteem Yr Excellency’s Most obt.
Df, in Tench Tilghman’s writing, DLC:GW; Varick transcript, DLC:GW.
1. The enclosure has not been identified, but for its likely contents—an erroneous report of American and French success in South Carolina and Georgia on and shortly after 16 Sept.—see GW to Horatio Gates, this date, n.6.
2. For this British withdrawal, see GW to Horatio Gates, this date, n.7.