From George Washington to Major General Nathanael Greene, 27 December 1780
To Major General Nathanael Greene
Head Quarters New Windsor 27th Decr 1780
Dear Sir
I have nothing to communicate, but that the detachment, which I mentioned in mine of the 13th, on board about twenty transports fell down to the Hook on the 19th and it is supposed went to sea the same day. The numbers in this detachment are variously reported—The Grenadiers and Light Infantry were once under orders, but they were countermanded and other Corps substituted. I have little doubt of their being bound to the southward, and I should think they would not send under two thousand, from the appearance of the situation of their affairs in that quarter.1 Whenever I gain more certain intelligence, it shall be transmitted to you2 by Dear Sir Your most obt and humble Servt
Go: Washington
LS, in Tench Tilghman’s writing, MiU-C: Greene Papers; Df, DLC:GW; Varick transcript, DLC:GW.
1. For this expedition, see GW to Samuel Huntington, this date, and n.2 to that document; see also Anthony Wayne to GW, 25 Dec., n.2.
2. GW subsequently confirmed British brigadier general Benedict Arnold as the commander of 1,600 troops that sailed on 20 Dec. (see his letter to Greene, 2 Jan. 1781, NNGL).