George Washington Papers

To George Washington from Samuel Huntington, 7 April 1781

Philadelphia April 7th 1781

Sir

I have the honor to enclose copies of letters received this morning which from their importance it is judged necessary to communicate to you with all possible expedition. I have the honor to be Your Excellency’s most obedient humble Servt

Sam. Huntington President

DLC: Papers of George Washington.

Enclosure

Freehold Monmouth County N. Jersey April 2d 1781

Sir

By accounts I this day received from New York Two of the inhabitants near the Clove took and carried into Genl Sir Henry Clinton the Eastern mail. They received from Sir Henry a gratuity of eighty guineas for the service—The mail was carried in on Saturday last—Through the same channel I am informed a large imbarkation is now in forwardness for Deleware Bay—That Genl Clinton will take the command of it and take post at New Castle—My informant says confidence may be put in his information. In justice to his intelligence I must say I have hardly found him to err.

The known disaffection of the lower parts of Deleware and Maryland States is also an inducement to me to give credit to the above accts And the advantage to be drawn from early intelligence will I presume plead my excuse in thus forwarding unasked by your Excelly the above accts. I have the honor to be your Excellency’s most obedt huml. Servt

David Forman

Enclosure

Trenton 5th April 1781 8 o’Clock P.M.

Sir

I this Moment received a Letter from General Forman, accompanied with one for your Excellency which I presume is upon the same subject with mine. He informs me that he has Intelligence from New York that a large imbarkation is preparing. General Clinton to command in Person, their Destination for the Delaware, & that Clinton is to take Post at New Castle. He adds that he has seldom been disappointed in his Intelligence thro’ the Channel by which he has received the present.

I know that General Formans Intelligence has been generally found true, and I thought this Account of such Importance as immediately to apply to Colo. Neilson for an Express which he readily furnished. With the greatest esteem I have the honour to be Your Excellency’s most obedt & very hble Servt

Wil: Livingston

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