To John Jay from George Washington, 29 June 1776
From George Washington
[Head Quarters 29th June 1776.]
Genl. Washington presents his Complimts. To Mr. Livingston & Mr. Jay—thanks them most cordially for their kind Information & Invitation; but is so exceedingly hurried just at this time, that it is not in his power to attend the examination of G. Forbes.—1 He begs it may go on, and will take it exceedingly kind if Forbes and the examination when taken, be sent to head Quarters at half after four Oclock, when the General will have an officer or two present to question him, & compare his answers with the information given Mr. Livingston and Mr. Jay
AL, NNC (EJ: 7229). Addressed: “To/Philp. Livingston & Jno. Jay/Esqrs. City Tavern/New York”. Endorsed: “Gen. Washington. 29 Julyne 1776/relative to Gilb. Forbes”.
1. Gilbert Forbes, a gunsmith who owned “The Sign of the Sportsman” shop on Broadway, was, according to testimony before the court-martial held on 26 June, acting as paymaster for soldiers recruited to join the British when the fleet arrived. Court-Martial Proceedings including Forbes’s Statement, 26 June 1776, Washington Papers, DLC; , 6: 1085–86, 1156–57.