1Editorial Note (Washington Papers)
Following his receipt of Congress’s official notification that Vice Admiral d’Estaing had arrived on the Georgia coast with a large French fleet, GW in the short span of the first week of October expanded and put into motion his plans for a joint campaign with the French to drive the British from New York. GW had begun contemplating an attack on the British military bastion of New York in May...
2I. Loose Thoughts upon an Attack of New York, c.3 October 1779 (Washington Papers)
An attack, upon the enemy at New York & its dependencies, must be regulated by the posts they occupy, and the nature of their defence. at present they are much dispersed—Some being in the City, & some at Kings bridge—while long Island—Staten Island—Powles hook—&, (as some say) Sandy hook also have a part. a thousand remain at the points at Kings-ferry. If they remain thus seperated and divided...
3II. From George Washington to Major General Horatio Gates, 3 October 1779 (Washington Papers)
I transmit you by Express, an Extract of a Letter of the 26th Ulto which I have just received from His Excellency, the president of Congress, accompanied by an Act of the same date, of which the inclosed is a Copy. The transcripts of the Letters to Monsr Gerard, mentioned in the Act, by some means have been omitted to be sent. I have no other information with respect to Count D’Estaings...
4III. From George Washington to George Clinton, 4 October 1779 (Washington Papers)
I have the honor to inclose your Excellency the Copy of a Resolution of Congress of the 26th September, by which you will perceive they expect the arrival of his Excellency Count D’Estaing; and that I am directed to pursue measures for cooperating with him, and to call upon the several States for such aid as shall appear to me necessary for this important purpose —In compliance with these...
5IV. From George Washington to Vice Admiral d’Estaing, 4 October 1779 (Washington Papers)
On receiving advice that your Excellency had been seen in a latitude, which indicated your approach to our Coasts, and supposing it possible you might direct your course this way, I did myself the honor to write you a Letter on the 13th of September and stationed an Officer in Monmouth County to meet you with it, on your arrival at the Hook. In that Letter I explained the situation and force...
6V. From George Washington to Major General Robert Howe, 4 October 1779 (Washington Papers)
I have received such advices from Congress respecting the French fleet under the command of Count D’Estaing, that I have not a doubt of his coming to this part of the Coast for the purposes of cooperation—nor of his being upon it immediately. I therefore request you to resume yr position on Croton—near pines bridge to effect, if possible, the end mentioned in my letter of the 13th Ulto. I am...
7VI. From Major General Arthur St. Clair to George Washington, 4 October 1779 (Washington Papers)
I have been revolving in my Mind the Matters your Excellency had under Consideration last Night, and beg leave to submit my Sentiments upon them. They are however only broken hints as I have a very imperfect knowledge of the Local Situation, not having been upon the Grounds for many Years, and then not having viewed them in a military Light. From Fort Washington to the high Grounds at the...
8VII. From George Washington to Major General Arthur St. Clair, 4 October 1779 (Washington Papers)
I have received, and thank you for the thoughts contained in your Letter of this date—& pray you to continue them as they may occur. I prefer receiving the sentiments of Officer[s] in this way to Councils of War; as I can digest every matter and thing at my leizure, and act with more secrecy than it is possible in pursuance of a determination discovered by a Majority of votes & known to...
9VIII. From George Washington to Major General Stirling, 4 October 1779 (Washington Papers)
By advices which I have just received from Congress, I have no doubt of the French fleet (under Count D’Estaing) coming this way—and that it will appear in these Seas immediately —The prospect of preventing the retreat of the garrisons at Stony—and Verplanks point ⟨(⟩so far as it [is] to be effected by a Land operation) again revives upon probable ground, and I am to request, that your...
10IX. From Major General Stirling to George Washington, 5 October 1779 (Washington Papers)
I have Just received your Excellency’ letter of Yesterdays date, I have no doubt the Count de Estainge is Comeing this way; & from the reports of this day (but I have none well Vouched) I am inclined to belive he is already at Sandy hook. Your Excellency may depend that I will take every measure in my power to Intercept the troops of Stoney & Verplanks point should they attempt to Move by land...