To George Washington from Nathaniel Shaw, 24 August 1780
From Nathaniel Shaw
New London [Conn.] Augst 24th 1780
Thursday 9 OClock A.M.
Sir
In my last1 I wrote you that the Brittish Fleet Saild last Satturday, and a Sloop belonging to this Port arived last Evening from the West Indias, and Informs me that he fell in with Twelve large Ships and three friggates, Seventy Mile Southward of Montaug,2 and Imagines they were bound to N. York, I make no doubt but that they were the Brittish Fleet,3 I am Sir your most Obedt hume Servt
Nathl Shaw
ALS, DLC:GW.
1. See Shaw to GW, 20 August.
2. Shaw is referring to Montauk Point at the far eastern end of Long Island, New York.
3. The British fleet was cruising off Rhode Island to guard against any movement of the French fleet from Newport.