From George Washington to John Laurance, 26 September 1780
VIII
To John Laurance
Robinson’s House in the Highland’s Sepr 26. 1780
Sir
You will have heard probably before the receipt of this, that Major General Arnold has gone to New-York—and that the Adjutant General of the British Army & Mr Joshua Smith who were concerned with him in measures which occasioned his flight are both in our hands. I am desirous of seeing You without loss of time in consequence of these events, and request that You will proceed to Head qrs, wherever they may be, without delay.1 I am Dr Sir with regard & esteem Yr Most Obedt st
Go: Washington
LS, in Robert Hanson Harrison’s writing, NN: Harkness Collection.
1. As judge advocate general, Laurance played important roles in the investigatory proceedings involving Maj. John André and Joshua Hett Smith (see Major John André’s Capture and Execution, 23 Sept.–7 Oct., and The Smith Family and Major General Benedict Arnold’s Treachery, 26 Sept.–30 Oct., editorial notes).