From George Washington to Jonathan Trumbull, Sr., 2 January 1781
To Jonathan Trumbull, Sr.
Head Quarters New Windsor Janry 2nd 1781
Dear Sir
I have the honor to inform your Excellency of the sailing of the Embarkation, which I mentioned in my Letter of the 13th of December.1 The Fleet consisting of thirty two Sail, left the Hook on the 22nd Ulto with a Detachment of about Sixteen hundred Troops on Board, under the command of Arnold. It is conjectured they are designed as a further reinforcement to the Southern Army, which is said to be greatly weakened, by the severity of the service and climate.2 I have the honor to be With great respect & esteem Your Excellency’s Most Obedient Humble Servant
Go: Washington
LS, in David Humphreys’s writing, Ct: Trumbull Papers; Df, DLC:GW; Varick transcript, DLC:GW. Trumbull’s docket indicates that he received this letter on 18 January.
1. GW’s earlier report was scant and qualified (see his letter to Trumbull, 13 Dec. 1780, postscript).
2. For this intelligence on British brigadier general Benedict Arnold’s expedition, see GW to Nathanael Greene, this date, n.2.