From George Washington to Comte d’Ennery, 7 October 1776
To Comte d’Ennery
Head Quarters Harlem Heights
10 Miles from New York 7th Octobr 1776
Sir
I yesterday had the honor of receiving your Letter of the 4th Augt and I take the earliest Opportunity of testifying1 the pleasure I have in complying with your request, by immediately ordering the Release of Monsr Dechambault. He shall be accommodated with a Passage in the first Vessel that sails from Philadelphia to the French Colonies in the West Indies. Had it not been for your Interposition Monr Dechambault must have remained a prisoner till released by a Cartel, but I could not hesitate to comply with a Request made by a Nobleman who by his public Countenance of our Cause has rendered such essential Services to the thirteen united independent States of America, whose Armies I have the honor to command. I have the honor to be Sir with the highest Esteem yr most obt Sert.
LB, in Tench Tilghman’s writing, DLC:GW; copy, DLC:GW; Varick transcript, DLC:GW. The LB is addressed: “To Monsr L’Compte D’Emery Govr Genl of the French part of St Domingo.” The receiver’s copy of this letter, which GW forwarded to Congress with his first letter to Hancock of this date, has not been found.
1. Tilghman inadvertently wrote “testitying” on the manuscript.