George Washington Papers

From George Washington to Jonathan Trumbull, Sr., 9 July 1779

To Jonathan Trumbull, Sr.

Head Quarters New Windsor July 9 1779

Dr Sir

I am just honored with Your Excellency’s letter of the 7th. I had the pleasure of writing to you the same day inclosing a letter for General Glover, or Officer commanding his brigade, in which I was so happy as to have anticipated your wishes.1 In addition to that, Genl Parsons set out yesterday for Connecticut at my request2—I was induced to this from a supposition that his knowlege of The Country and the inhabitants would render him useful. It is most probable the enemy’s incursion will be temporary;3 but as it may be repeated in some other part & as the present season is particularly interesting, it will be agreeable to me that Glovers brigade should halt for a little time in your state at such place as may be thought best calculated to give cover to the part of the country most exposed. I inclose a letter to General Glover for that purpose.4 With the greatest respect & esteem I have the honor to be Yr Excellency’s Most Obedt serv.

Df, in Alexander Hamilton’s writing, DLC:GW; Varick transcript, DLC:GW. An express delivered this letter to Trumbull and the Connecticut Council of Safety on 12 July (see Conn. Public Records, description begins The Public Records of the State of Connecticut . . . with the Journal of the Council of Safety . . . and an Appendix. 18 vols. to date. Hartford, 1894–. description ends 2:360; see also n.4 below).

3For the British raids on Connecticut in early July, see GW to Jonathan Trumbull, Sr., 7 July, source note.

4The enclosure has not been found, but see GW to John Glover, 9–10 July. The Connecticut Council of Safety record for 13 July reads: “On Genl Washington’s letter directing that Glover’s brigade be detained awhile &c. in the most convenient place &c.

“On consideration and consultation &c., agreed and voted a letter to be sent B. G. Glover, now near N. London and moving from thence yesterday morning, advising him to continue for the present in a station most convenient for the protection of New London, and to return to said town or not is left to his discretion. Also inclosing the Genl’s letter to B. G. Glover, and sent accordingly. (By Torrey, express.)” (Conn. Public Records, description begins The Public Records of the State of Connecticut . . . with the Journal of the Council of Safety . . . and an Appendix. 18 vols. to date. Hartford, 1894–. description ends 2:360; see also Glover to GW, 15 July, and n.2 to that document).

Index Entries