To George Washington from Brigadier General William Maxwell, 31 August 1778
From Brigadier General William Maxwell
Elizth Town [N.J.] 31st Augt 1778
Sir
Coll D’Hart having some bussiness to transact at Camp, he has obtained my leave for that purpose. I have had intiligen[c]e from New York though not d[i]rectly or by so good authority as I could wish, yet it is believed & I believe it, that a part of Birons Fleet has arived about 3 days ago Viz. five large Ships, that the Officers has been seen and spoke with in New York.1 I have attempted to send some people for intiligence this two nights pass’d but they have deceived me both times. If the English Vessels is comin as believed I am surprised I have not had intiligence of it from Major Howel.2 We are in great suspence here about Rhode Island & Genl Sullivan as we have heard that the French Fleet is gone to Boston & that General Clinton is gone up the sound I am. Your Excellency Most Obedt Humble Servt
Wm Maxwell
ALS, DLC:GW.
1. British engineer James Montresor noted in his journal for 28 Aug.: “Arrived six 74 Gun Ships being part of Admiral Byron’s squadron” ( , 512).
2. Maxwell had apparently not yet received Maj. Richard Howell’s letter to him of 30 Aug., which is now in DLC:GW. For Howell’s intelligence, see GW to Vice Admiral d’Estaing, 2 Sept., n.3.