To George Washington from Daniel Tillinghast, 29 June 1776
From Daniel Tillinghast
Providence 29th June 1776
Sir
By Capt. Lippit of this Town, who is just arrived at Boston from Hallifax,1 we have certain accounts, that General Howe with his Troops & fleet sail’d from Halifax 10th Inst: no person was allow’d to leave the Town till 4 days after, he says the Fleet consists of about 150 Sail & that they left near 1200 Sick at Halifax.
As there is a Boat just about to push of from here for New York, I tho’t it would not be improper to Inform your Excellency of the above as possibly this may reach you before you have any other accounts. I am with the greatest respect Your Excellencys, most Obedt & very humble Servant
Danl Tillinghast Agent
LS, DLC:GW. This letter is docketed in Samuel Blachley Webb’s writing, “Answered 6th July,” but no reply to Tillinghast from GW, his secretaries, or aides has been found.
Daniel Tillinghast (1732–1806) of Providence was appointed Continental prize agent for Rhode Island by the Congress on 23 April 1776 (, 4:301). He was also a member of the colony’s committee of safety and colonel of the United Company of the Train of Artillery in Providence.
1. Joseph Lippet, master of the brig Elizabeth which was owned by John Brown of Providence, was captured with his vessel and crew by the British warship Cerberus on 30 May 1776 while returning to Providence from the West Indies and apparently was taken to Halifax as a prisoner.