George Washington Papers
Documents filtered by: Author="Washington, George" AND Recipient="Rochambeau, Jean-Baptiste Donatien de Vimeur, comte de" AND Period="Revolutionary War"
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https://founders.archives.gov/documents/Washington/03-27-02-0194

From George Washington to Lieutenant General Rochambeau, 21 July 1780

To Lieutenant General Rochambeau

Head Quarters [Preakness, N.J.] July 21st 80

Sir,

I had the honor to receive yesterday duplicate of your letter of the [[ ]].1

Since the intelligence transmitted by the Marquis De la Fayette,2 I have received advices through different channels from New York that the enemy are preparing an embarkation of troops—that fifty transports have moved up the North River for this purpose—and the object of it is said to be your fleet and army.3 Though this may be nothing more than a demonstration, as it may possibly be serious I hasten to give you the earliest communication of it.4 With every sentiment of esteem and attachment I have the honor to be Sir Your most Obedient & most humble servant.

Df, in Alexander Hamilton’s writing, DLC:GW; Varick transcript, DLC:GW.

1GW is referring to Rochambeau’s letter to him of 12 July. The duplicate has not been found.

3For one source of this intelligence, see Elias Dayton to GW, this date; see also GW to Lafayette, 22 July (first letter).

4For this British operation to attack the French forces at Newport, and GW’s response, see GW to Rochambeau, 27 July (second letter), n.3.

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