From George Washington to the Massachusetts Council, 19 July 1780
To the Massachusetts Council
Head qrs near passaick Falls [N.J.] July 19 1780
Gentn
It unfortunately happens on a minute examination of our ordnance & Stores at the different Deposits, that we are by no means in so respectable a condition as to these, as it might be wished. A number of Heavy Cannon & Shot—Howitzers & Shells will be essential in addition to those we have, for carrying on our operations with vigor & energy; and also a further quantity of powder. After considering the matter, Your state appear⟨s⟩ the most likely & the Only One that can assist us in these instances to any great extent, particularly in the Articles of Cannon & Shot—Howitzers & Shells—and being fully convinced that it will be done with the greatest chearfulness, if it is in their power, I have desired Genl Knox to form an Estimate of these four Articles and to transmit it to Your Honble Board.1 Powder, that is the quantity, will not be precisely mentioned by him, but it being equally material, I entreat that the Board will favor the Continent, with a loan of the largest quantity they can spare, as well as of the Other articles. They will be pleased to favor me with their answer with respect to the several matters requested, by the earliest opportunity.2
I am sorry to inform the Board that Admiral Greaves has arrived with Six Ships of the li⟨n⟩e off Sandy Hook.3 This is an unlucky incident & embarrassing at present; but it may eventually turn out otherwise. I have the Honor to be With great respect & esteem Genn Yr Most Obedt st
G.W.
Df, in Robert Hanson Harrison’s writing, DLC:GW; Varick transcript, DLC:GW.
1. See GW to Henry Knox, 15 July. For Knox’s letter to the council, see Knox to GW, 17 July, n.2.
4. GW also had appealed to New Hampshire (see Circular to Massachusetts and New Hampshire, 4 July; see also Meshech Weare to GW, 15 July).
5. See James Bowdoin to GW, 26 June, and n.2 to that document.