To George Washington from Henry Laurens, 4 November 1777
From Henry Laurens
York Town [Pa.] 4th Novemr 1777
Sir—
I have in charge from Congress to transmit to your Excellency the inclosed Resolution of the 20th Ult: relative to the Conduct of Major General Sullivan in the late expedition to Staten Island—which will be made public here as soon as a printing press can be set to work this is expected to be in a few days.1
I likewise inclose a Certifieed minute from the Journal of Congress shewing Your Excellency the Authority under which I have the honour of addressing you.2 I am with the most perfect Esteem & Respect sir Your Excellency’s Most obedient & most humble servant
H.L.
ADfS, CSmH; LB, DNA:PCC, item 13.
1. The enclosed resolution, the original of which has not been identified, was published in the general orders of 12 Nov. (see also , 9:822–23). For John Sullivan’s acquittal of the charge that he had mishandled the expedition against Staten Island, N.Y., in August 1777 and exhibited “unsoldierlike conduct,” see General Orders, 16 October.
2. Laurens is referring to his election as president of the Continental Congress on Saturday, 1 Nov. (ibid., 854); the enclosed minute has not been identified.