George Washington Papers
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From George Washington to Lieutenant General Rochambeau, 16 August 1780

To Lieutenant General Rochambeau

Head Quarters Orange Town 16th August 1780

Sir

I have sucessively received your two letters of the 8th and 10th.

Other pressing occupations prevent my entering at this moment into the particulars of the last—I shall content myself with observing that I am happy to find our ideas substantially the same, and I hope a further explanation will obviate whatever little difference there may be.1

I have received advices that the enemy are again preparing an embarkation. The number of troops said to be two thousand—pontoons and waggons have been put on board. It is reported that this corps is to be convoyed by the Foy frigate and two gallies.2 If so ’tis for some coasting expedition.3 With perfect attachment I have the honor to be sir Your most obt servt

Go: Washington

LS, in James McHenry’s writing, CtY-BR: Rochambeau Papers and Rochambeau Family Cartographic Archive; Df, DLC:GW; French translation, in Rochambeau’s writing, CtY-BR: Rochambeau Papers and Rochambeau Family Cartographic Archive; LB (in French), DLC: Rochambeau Papers, vol. 7; French translation, FrPBN; Varick transcript, DLC:GW.

1See GW to Rochambeau, 21 August.

At this point on the draft, which is in the writing of GW’s aide-de-camp Alexander Hamilton, the following canceled text appears: “I shall endeavour to procure myself the happiness of the interview you propose as soon as circumstances will permit, and if possible, without waiting for either of the events you mention. Such an interview if practicable cannot but be useful.”

2GW may have received this intelligence from the Culper spy Robert Townsend (see Benjamin Tallmadge to GW, 10 Aug., and n.6).

3Rochambeau acknowledged receipt of this letter in his letter to GW of 20 August.

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