From George Washington to Henry Laurens, 21 August 1778
To Henry Laurens
Head Qrs White plains August 21st 1778
sir
Your Favor of the 16th, with the several papers to which it referred, came duly to hand on Wednesday Afternoon.1
I this minute received from General Sullivan the Letter I have now the honor of forwarding you, with One addressed to myself. A copy of the latter is also inclosed.2 The General seems to have been very near the Enemy’s lines—& on the point of opening all his Batteries. Things appear to be in a promising train.
By advices from an Officer of rank and intelligence, who is stationed with a party in Monmouth County,3 I am informed, that sixteen Ships entered the Hook on the 17th, one having a Flag, & that on that & the proceding day a Heavy Canonade was heard at Sea. I have the Honor to be with the greatest respect & esteem sir Your Most Obedt servt
Go: Washington
LS, in Robert Hanson Harrison’s writing, DNA:PCC, item 152; Df, DLC:GW; copy, ScHi: Henry Laurens Papers; copy, DNA:PCC, item 169; Varick transcript, DLC:GW. Congress read this letter on 25 Aug.; see , 11:836.
1. The previous Wednesday was 19 August.
2. GW enclosed Maj. Gen. John Sullivan’s letter to Laurens of 19 Aug. (DNA:PCC, item 160) and an extract of Sullivan’s letter to GW of the same date.
3. GW was referring to Maj. Richard Howell.