To George Washington from Brigadier General Jedediah Huntington, 26 June 1780
From Brigadier General Jedediah Huntington
Mouth of [Smiths] Clove [N.Y.] 26 June [1780]
10 oClock
Dear Sir,
I hear from Kings Ferry that 30 Ships were off Fort Washington Yesterday—1 Frigate & 2 tenders near Tallers Point that the three latter returned to the fleet in the Afternoon1—I forget to mention that a Party of the Enemy (from 30 to 50) have burnt 5 or 6 Houses and as many Barns at ⟨Shr⟩onenburg,2 the Property of Whigs, they staid no longer than just to do the sd Business.3
half after ten—Recd yours of 6 oClock by Express4 shall put the Troops in Motion immediately—And give Genl Howe Notice as You direct—inclose a Letter from Genl Howe.5 In meantime Am most respectfully your Excellency Obedt servt
J. Huntington
ALS, PHi: Etting Collection. The cover reads: “⅌ Express.”
1. The ships near Fort Washington, N.Y., had transported two British corps from Staten Island to Philipse Manor on 23 and 24 June. The report of the vessels near Teller’s Point, N.Y., may have been misdated intelligence related to British general Henry Clinton’s movements (see Henry Willis to GW, 24 June, n.1, and Nathanael Greene’s second letter to GW, 25 June, notes 3 and 4).
2. Huntington is referring to Schraalenburgh, N.J., about five miles northeast of Hackensack and several miles inland from the Lower Closter Landing.
3. Lt. Henry Willis may have mentioned the same raiders in his letter to GW of 25 June. For more on these depredations, see , 256–57.
4. This letter has not been found.
5. Huntington likely enclosed Maj. Gen. Robert Howe’s letter to GW of 24 June.