George Washington to President of Congress, October 3, 1777

Document

Transcription

Camp¹ 20 Miles from Philadelphia October 3^d. 1777

[Extract]
Sir

... Since my Letter of the 29^th,² no favourable change has taken place in our affairs—On the contrary, we have sustained an additional loss in the capture of the Delaware. She fell into the Enemy's hands in a day or two after they were in possession of the City,³ and in a manner not yet well understood. Some have supposed the Crew mutinied, while another report is, that she was disabled in her Rudder by a shot and drove on shore.⁴ This misfortune takes off the success of Captain Biddies cruize.⁵ I will not dwell longer on the subject Congress may rest assured all the means in my power shall be employed to put our affairs in a more agreable train and to accomplish the end they so earnestly wish. I have the Honor to be [&c.]

G^o: Washington

L, DNA, PCC, item 152, vol. 5, 77-80, (M247, roll 168). Two paragraphs of this letter are not printed here. They refer to news President Hancock had forwarded to Washington on Maj. Gen. Horatio Gates's army and to the collection of supplies for Washington's forces. Docketed: "Letter from gen^l Washington/Camp 20 Miles from Philad^a./Oct^r. 3. 1777/(Entered)."

1. Camp at Methacton Hill, Pa.

2. See Washington to President of Congress, 29 Sept. 1777, in Washington, Writings 9: 284-85.

3. Philadelphia.

4. For documentation on the capture of this vessel by a Royal Artillery battery, see NDAR 9: 972-74, 975, 976, 977, and 984.

5. Capt. Nicholas Biddle, commander of the Continental Navy frigate Randolph, made three prizes on a short cruise out of Charleston, S.C., during the first week of Sept. NDAR 9: 919-21, 971.

Document Information

Date

1777 October 3

Volume

Volume 10

Series

American Theatre from October 1, 1777, to December 31, 1777

Naval Documents of the American Revolution

George Washington to President of Congress, October 3, 1777

Document

Similar Documents