Varick, Richard, 1753-1831 to Dirck Romeyn

Varick says his he spent all of the previous night on "public letters" which now occupy all his time, and must be brief. He says Luzerne stopped with them on his way to meet Rochambeau, Ternay, and Lafayette. This would be the Frenchmen's first meeting with George Washington, who is not mentioned in the letter. Relates the events of the Battle of Camden, as told to him by Luzerne. Says the Maryland troops fought bravely, and if General Horatio Gates had not fled the Americans might have won. Says General William Smallwood served bravely but eventually had to withdraw. Despite the loss, Luzerne called it "the most glorious action of the prest Age between such unequal numbers." Also says Gates in his flight "rode 190 or 200 miles in 1 1/2 days." Varick hopes Gates will "have justice exercised upon him." Gates was soon replaced as commander of the Southern forces. Also discusses possible assistance from French navy. The letter was written from "Head Quarters Robinsons House," a mansion located just across the river from West Point. The mansion served as Benedict Arnold's residence while in command of West Point. It had been confiscated from prominent loyalist Beverly Robinson. The day before this letter was written Arnold became aware that he was suspected of treason, and fled the Robinson House. Though aware of all this, and deeply upset by Arnold's actions, Varick makes no mention whatsoever of these events.