George Washington Papers
Documents filtered by: Author="Washington, George" AND Correspondent="Huntington, Samuel" AND Correspondent="Washington, George"
sorted by: editorial placement
Permanent link for this document:
https://founders.archives.gov/documents/Washington/03-27-02-0173

From George Washington to Samuel Huntington, 20 July 1780

To Samuel Huntington

Head Quarters 20th July 1780 Bergen County

Sir

I have had the pleasure of a communication from Comte de Rochambea and Chevalier Ternay, since their arrival at Rhode-Island, and take the earliest occasion to inform Congress of their force and situation.1

The succour destined for these States, for particaular reasons, were thrown into two divisions. The first (that arrived) consists of 7 sail of the line, and one of 64, converted into a hospital ship for the voyage, but which is to be remounted and fitted agreeably to her rate. To these are added, two bomb ketches and several frigates. The troops composing this division, are, two Regiments of two batalions each, a legionary corps, and a batalion of artillery, the whole provided with field equipage, and complete in siege and field artillery. In general the fleet and army enjoy good health, and such as are indisposed, are only with slight sea-disorders. There is a quantity of clothing and arms with the fleet for the use of the States.

Yesterday evening, the Marquiss la Fayette, set out for Rhode Island, to confer with Comte de Rochambeau and Chevalier Ternay, and concert measures for our co-operation. I have the honor to be with the greatest respect, your Excellency’s most obt & hble sert

Go: Washington

P.S. I have been honored with your Excellencys favor of the 15th.

LS, in James McHenry’s writing, DNA:PCC, item 152; Df, DLC:GW; copy, DNA:PCC, item 169; Varick transcript, DLC:GW. The draft and Varick transcript do not include the postscript. Congress read this letter on 24 July (JCC description begins Worthington Chauncey Ford et al., eds. Journals of the Continental Congress, 1774-1789. 34 vols. Washington, D.C., 1904–37. description ends , 17:654).

1. See Rochambeau to GW, 12 July. Rear Admiral Ternay did not write to GW until 31 July.

Index Entries

    You Are Looking At

    Source Project
    Washington Papers
    Title
    From George Washington to Samuel Huntington, 20 July 1780
    Author
    Washington, George
    Recipient
    Huntington, Samuel
    Date
    20 July 1780

    Reference

    Cite as
    “From George Washington to Samuel Huntington, 20 July 1780,” Founders Online, National Archives, https://founders.archives.gov/documents/Washington/03-27-02-0173. [Original source: The Papers of George Washington, Revolutionary War Series, vol. 27, 5 July–27 August 1780, ed. Benjamin L. Huggins. Charlottesville: University of Virginia Press, 2019, p. 205.]

    More between these correspondents