John Sullivan to George Washington, 5 April 1781
From John Sullivan
Philadelphia April 5th 1781
Dear General
I was on the Evening of the 3d honored with your Excellencys favor of the 31 Ulto1 and have the pleasure of Inclosing to your Excellency Copy of an Act of congress of yesterday respecting the Conduct of our allies I am Convinced that the Bravery of Monsr Des Touch & the officers and men under his Command has convinced the British that with Equal numbers the French are at Least Equal to them. I Lament our having failed in the object Yet the Action will have some agreable consequences: and the manner in which it was conducted by Monsr Des Touch deserves Every Eulogium.2
I am also honored with your Excellencys favor of the 24th ulto & Shall be happy in receiving your Excellencys Sentiments upon the whole report which I had the honor to enclose you & I perswade myself that Congress will agree with your wishes upon the Subject.3 I have the honor to be with the Most perfect Esteem Dear General Your Excellencys Most obedient Servant
Jno. Sullivan
ALS, DLC:GW; Varick transcript, DLC:GW.
1. For GW’s letter to Sullivan of 31 March, see GW to Alexander McDougall, that date, source note.
2. For this congressional resolution, see GW to McDougall, 31 March, and n.3 to that document.
3. The letter from GW to Sullivan of 24 March has not been found. For the congressional committee report transmitted by Sullivan, see his second letter to GW dated 9 March; see also Remarks on a Congressional Committee Report, 3 April, and GW to Sullivan, 4 April.