Letter to George Washington and Congress

(facsimile, page 7)

Letter to George Washington and Congress

(facsimile, page 7)

(Facsimile not yet available)

[<--page 6]
in with the Enemy Fleet from New York, and took four of them. Being chased into the Harbor by four British Ships of War, we then sent our whole force and strained every nerve for the defense of the Town. The particulars of the Siege with the Struggles and Sufferings of the Army and Navy need not be restated, they must be well known to Congress as they are to the World. I Shall only observe, that I faithfully exerted myself on this interesting occasion to promote the interest and honor of my Country and tho the town was surrendered, American Honor triumphant. My men having been Shipped for a Six Month Cruise in a warm climate and my Vessel destitute of cloathing, these unfortunate fellows were reduced to the greatest distress from the ferocity of the memorable inclement Winter of 1780. Feeling for their Misery which I have not the language to describe I purchased cloathing and necessary Stores for the Several Ships and delivered the same to the respective Persons, the people were by this means relieved at my expense, and the whole amount of what [-->page 8]