Head Quarters White plains 8th Augt. 1778
Sir.
I received your favor dated the 4th Inst.1 informing me of your arrival at Providence,2 and the flattering disposition of things in that quarter.
We have just received an account from Genl. Maxwell3 of Lord Howe's sailing from the Hook with his fleet of armed vessels early on Thursday morning last. Whether it is to make demonstrations of fighting the Count d'Estaign, in order to favor the withdrawing or reinforceing of the troops on Rhode Island is not easy to determine. I would hope however that it is not to join a squadron from England, or if it is that your operations will be determined before they can act.
Wishing you all manner of success and glory, I am [&c]
P.S. you have referred me for particulars to a letter from Genl. Sullivan—no such letter came to hand.
L, DLC Washington Papers, Series 4. Addressed at foot: “Major Gen. Greene." Docketed on reverse: "8 Augt. 1778/To Gen. Greene/at Providence."
1. Not located.
2. Greene arrived in Providence on 4 Aug.
3. Washington had instructed Brig. William Maxwell to “keep a vigilant watch upon the motions of the Enemy upon Staten Island, and upon their fleet in the Bay" and to let Washington know of any movement so that he could "communicate it to Count D'Estaing." George Washington to Brigadier General William Maxwell, 4 Aug. 1778, GW Papers, Rev. War Series 16: 252–53. See also Washington to Maxwell, 8 Aug. and 13 Aug, GW Papers, Rev. War Series 16: 274–75 and 305. Washington also passed on the information to Lt. Col. John Laurens, Washington to Laurens, 8 Aug. 1778, GW Papers, Rev. War Series 16: 271–72.
