1From George Washington to Nicholas Cooke, 21 December 1776 (Washington Papers)
I have been honoured with your favor of the 8th Instt. The loss of the Island of Rhode Island gives me much concern, though an event that could not be well guarded against. I am happy that most of the Stock had been removed and wish the Cannon had been also brought away, our want of ’em by reason of our late losses, being great. Nothwithstanding this descent and the intelligence of more Ships...