41George Washington to Marquis de Lafayette, 22 July 1780 (Hamilton Papers)
[ Bergen County, New Jersey ] July 22, 1780 . Regrets that the Chevalier de Ternay objects to entering the harbor. Asserts need for arms and powder. Regrets inability to visit Rochambeau. Urges Lafayette to impress on the French difficulties involved in a siege of New York. Sends rumor of British embarkation for Rhode Island. Df , in writing of H, George Washington Papers, Library of Congress.
42From George Washington to Major General Lafayette, 22 July 1780 (Washington Papers)
I have received My Dear Marquis Your letter of the 20th inclosing me those you had received from Count De Rochambeau and The Chevalier De Ternay. As I speak to you in confidence I am sorry to find that the objections made by Mr De Ternay are of a nature to prevent his entering the harbour, notwithstanding any superiority he will probably have. I certainly would not wish him to endanger his...
43From George Washington to Major General Lafayette, 22 July 1780 (Washington Papers)
Since I wrote to you this morning I have received another letter from Major Lee by which I am informed that his account of the Return of the British Fleet to Sandy Hook was premature. Three Frigates only came in, and that gave rise to the report that the whole Fleet had returned—The Major adds—it is beleived that they are gone to the West Indies. But that is an Idea which I would not wish to...
44George Washington to Marquis de Lafayette, [27 July 1780] (Hamilton Papers)
[ Preakness, New Jersey, July 27, 1780. ] Believes that shortages of arms makes Lafayette’s plan to take New York impractical. Reports that British embarkation is still rumored. Hopes to take advantage of Sir Henry Clinton’s move to Rhode Island. Df , in writing of H, George Washington Papers, Library of Congress.
45From George Washington to Major General Lafayette, 27 July 1780 (Washington Papers)
I have received your letter of the 22d from Hartford. I perceive my Dear Marquis you are determined at all events to take New York, and that obstacles only increase your zeal. I am sorry our prospects instead of brightening grow duller. I have already written to you on the subject of arms. There is no probability of our getting the number we want from the states, so that without the timely...
46From George Washington to Major General Lafayette, 31 July 1780 (Washington Papers)
I received Your Two Obliging Favors of the 26th just as I was commencing yesterday our second day’s march for the North River. There is no doubt that Sir Henry Clinton means to attack the Count de Rochambeau and that a considerable force has sailed for the purpose, of which You will have the greatest certainty by the time this reaches You. I am happy in the measures which have been taken for...
47From George Washington to Major General Lafayette, 1 August 1780 (Washington Papers)
We are thus far, my dear Marquiss, ⟨o⟩n our way to New-York. Tomorrow the whole army was to have taken up its line of march, and would have moved with all the rapidity in our power to this object, had we not a few hours since received advice from the Sound, dated yesterday that the fleet of transports had put back, and were steering westward. Col. Sheldon by a letter come to hand this instant,...
48George Washington to Marquis de Lafayette, 3 August 1780 (Hamilton Papers)
Peekskill [ New York ] August 3, 1780 . Asks Lafayette to present the situation as it exists to the French commanders and let them decide what course of action they wish to follow. Believes that a major siege must await arrival of second French division. Believes that “a communication may be secured with Long Island by Land batteries.” Reports that the British expedition has returned to New...
49From George Washington to Major General Lafayette, 3 August 1780 (Washington Papers)
I received this day My Dear Marquis your letter of the 29th of July. The blunders which have been made with respect to arms ammunition and cloathing are serious disappointments. I think however from a closer inspection of our means that we shall be able to collect nearly arms enough to put into the hands of our recruits, and powder enough to undertake the enterprise if in the course of the...
50George Washington to Marquis de Lafayette, 5 August 1780 (Hamilton Papers)
[ Peekskill, New York ] August 5, 1780 . Regrets that the Chevalier de Ternay is adverse to entering New York harbor. Entreats Lafayette to “ascertain the probability of a succour coming from France and the West Indies.” Df , in writings of James McHenry and H, George Washington Papers, Library of Congress.