Washington, George, 1732-1799. The writings of George Washington from the original manuscript sources: Volume 12
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To MAJOR GENERAL JOHN SULLIVAN

   Head Quarters, White Plains, July 31, 1778.

    Dear Sir: I have been favd. with yours of the 27th. 10 O'Clock, A.M. Upon opening of it, I was much disappointed at not hearing of the Count D'Estaing's arrival, who I hope will have made his appearance off the Harbour of Newport before this time, as a Reinforcement passed Maroneck the day before yesterday Morning. 73 I wish it had been in my power to have spared a larger detachment of Continental Troops, but remember, I am left very near the Enemy, with a Force inferior to theirs upon New York and the adjacent Islands. I am much pleased with the account of the readiness which you were in, to begin your operations, as soon as the Count, and the Marquis should arrive, and I flatter myself, that you will receive no small assistance from Genl. Greene, in the department of Qr. Mr. Genl., as well as in the military line.

[Note:Reenforced by Byron's arrival, the British were able to send a fleet of 36 sail, 74 of which were double-deckers, against D'Estaing at Newport, whose force is stated to have been 12 ships of the line and 4 large frigates. ]

    As you have mentioned the matter of carrying the Enemy's works by storm, and have submitted it to my consideration and advice, I will only say, that as I would not, on the one hand wish to check the Ardor of our Troops, so I would not, upon the other, put them upon attempting what I thought they could not carry but with a moral certainty of success. You know the discipline of our Men and Officers very well, and I hope you, and the General Officers under your command, will weigh every desperate matter well before it is carried into execution. A severe check may ruin the expedition, while regular and determined approaches may effect the work, tho' perhaps they may take something longer time. Upon the whole, I will not undertake, at this distance, to give orders, I submit every thing to your prudence, and to the good advice of those about you. You have my sincere wishes for your success, as I am, etc.

    P.S. By a letter from the Officer of the Maroneck Guard, he does not seem certain that the Vessels which went thro' the sound the day before yesterday had troops on Board at least any considerable number. 74

[Note:The draft is in the writing of Tench Tilghman. ]