From George Washington to Henry Laurens, 1 September 1778
To Henry Laurens
Head Qrs White plains Sept. 1st 1778
11 OClock A.M.
sir
I do myself the honor of transmitting you a Copy of a Letter I this minute received from General Sullivan.1 I congratulate Congress on the repulse of the Enemy—and only wish our Troops may be able to effect a retreat, which seems the most eligible measure they can pursue, in the present situation of things. I have the Honor to be with the greatest respect & esteem sir Yr Most Obedt servt
Go: Washington
LS, in Robert Hanson Harrison’s writing, DNA:PCC, item 152; Df, DLC:GW; copy, ScHi: Henry Laurens Papers; copy, PHi: Wayne Papers; copy, DNA:PCC, item 169; Varick transcript, DLC:GW. Congress read the letter on 4 Sept. and referred its enclosure to the committee of intelligence (see Pennsylvania Packet or the General Advertiser [Philadelphia], 5 Sept.). A transcript of this letter in the Bancroft Collection, Anthony Wayne Papers, at NN is misidentified as GW to Anthony Wayne.
, 12:880). The next day an extract of the letter was published with the enclosure by order of Congress (