Mumford, Giles, 1759-1795 to Thomas Mumford

Written by Giles Mumford as a soldier under Lieutenant Colonel Meigs to his father Thomas Mumford, a Groton, Connecticut merchant. References his father's letters from August 11, 1777 and August 13, 1777. Says he has not received his powder puff, nor his cups, but that if they are returned he does not need them since there is a barber where he is. Says Colonel Samuel Webb has given him the liberty to keep a horse, as long as it is outside of camp. Says that in his last letter he informed his father that General Parsons and Colonel Webb went on a secret expedition to Long Island with 600 men. Says the most current information he can find out is that it came to nothing. Says that General Varnum undertook a feinting movement at East Chester, but that the British received intelligence of Parson's move and were able to counter it. Giles goes on to describe the East Chester engagements in detail. Mentions success of the Americans in the north. Says General Benedict Arnold has destroyed a large amount of enemy boats because of intelligence from the Indians. Mentions that attack at Fort Stanwick was repulsed. Says the British have cannonaded Baltimore and that they might land and attack Philadelphia soon. Mentions the price of some supplies and hopes his father can send him shoes and stockings. Also if possible to send a pair of saddle bags and his boots. Says General Parsons is not back at camp after being slightly wounded in the arm. Last page says he received his father's letter on August 17, 1777 and that he feels better. Says British have started to march on Philadelphia. Hopes militia can gain honor in the north since they did not gain any where he is. Says news is poor and the post is slow, but that all his friends are doing well. Red wax seal partially extent. Major tears to address leaf are repaired, leading to slight text loss.