To George Washington from Major Alexander Clough, 15 September 1778
From Major Alexander Clough
[Hackensack, N.J.] Sept. 15th 78 3 OClock
Sr
This morning I was in formd that genl Clinton had return’d to new york,1 the former intelligance relating the removel of the arttilery store is conferm’d2 with this addition, that there remains little on shore, the loss of men by sickness in Adml Byrons fleet is very considerable, at this time there is not less than 460 sick belonging, the Conquerer unfitt for duty,3 Adml Howe arive’d the last fryday4—I have repeatedly rec’d information that adml Byron[’s] ship is lost and four others belonging [to] his fleet.5 I am Your Excellencys Most Obt Hbl. servt
A. Clough
ALS, DLC:GW. Tench Tilghman docketed this letter: “Hackinsack 15th Sepr 1778 from Maj: Clough.”
1. For Gen. Henry Clinton’s return from his Rhode Island expedition on 11 Sept., see William Maxwell to GW, 14 Sept., and note 1 to that document.
2. See Clough to GW, 12 September.
3. The Conqueror was a 74-gun British warship.
4. The previous Friday was 11 September.
5. Vice Adm. John Byron arrived off Sandy Hook on 16 Sept. in the 90-gun Princess Royal accompanied by the 74-gun Culloden (see Clough to GW, 18 Sept., and note 2 to that document).