From George Washington to Samuel Huntington, 27 July 1780
To Samuel Huntington
Head Quarters Bergen County 27th July 1780
Sir
By advices received last night from the Count de Rochambeau, I am informed that the British Fleet were off Block Island on the 22d instant.1 I have at his request transmitted this intelligence to the Minister of France2—I have also received intelligence from New York that a number of troops were embarked on board Transports in the Sound. It is given out that Sir Henry Clinton is determined upon making an attempt upon the French Troops on Rhode Island.3 I shall in consequence of these advices put the Army here and at the Highlands in readiness to act as circumstances may require.4 I have the honor to be with the greatest Respect Sir Your Excellency’s Most obt and humble Servt
Go: Washington
LS, in Tench Tilghman’s writing, DNA:PCC, item 152; Df, DLC:GW; copy, DNA:PCC, item 169; Varick transcript, DLC:GW. Congress read this letter on 29 July (, 17:679).
1. See Rochambeau to GW, 22 July.
2. See GW to La Luzerne, this date.
3. See Elias Dayton to GW, 21 July, and Robert Howe to GW, 22 July (second letter); see also David Forman to GW, 21 July, n.1.
4. See General Orders, and GW to Howe, both this date; see also General Orders, 28 July.