Thomas Jefferson Papers

To Thomas Jefferson from George Washington, 4 April 1781

From George Washington

Head Quarters New Windsor 4th: April 1781.

Sir

I am to acknowledge the honor of your Excellency’s favors of the 19th. and 21st. ulto. and again to thank you, for your uniform and speedy communication of every southern event which comes to your knowledge.

I have the pleasure to find, from General Greenes official letter, that Lord Cornwallis is not likely to reap any great benefits from his late Victory. Indeed, were we certain that he would not soon receive fresh succours, we might hope that he would ultimately be obliged to quit his present ground in consequence of the incumbrance which his wounded must be to him. But I very much fear, we shall soon hear that General Phillips, who sailed from New York about a fortnight ago with a detachment said to be 1500 Men, is bending his course towards his Lordship.

You have been, by this time, made acquainted with the unfortunate event which prevented the execution of the plan against Arnold. Had the French Fleet luckily gained the Chesapeak before they were overtaken by the British, I think we could not have failed of Success.

The pennsylvania Line will be pushed forward, by detachment, as fast as they can be reassembled or recruited. I hope the 1st. division will consist of five or six hundred, and that they will be soon upon their march. Having heard nothing from them very lately, I cannot ascertain the time, but I am certain that General Wayne, who will go forward with the first, will be active on the occasion.

I have the honor to be with very great Respect and Esteem Yr Excellency’s Most obt. and humble Servt,

Go: Washington

RC (CSmH); in Tench Tilghman’s hand, signed by Washington. FC (DLC: Washington Papers).

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