Gilder Lehrman Collection #: GLC06500.03

Author/Creator: Walker, John (1744 - 1809)

Place Written: Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

Type: Autograph letter signed

Date: 25 July 1780

Pagination: 4 p. : docket ; 21.5 x 17 cm.

Summary of Content: George Washington is to be obeyed by the French troops as ”Marshall of France,” and American troops are to have command over French troops of equal rank. Discusses the size and movements of the French and British fleets. Also mentions General Anthony Wayne’s failed attack at Bergen, ”the Torries in Carolina,” and the need for the Americans to be more aggressive.

People: Weedon, George, 1734-1793., Walker, John, 1744-1809., Wayne, Anthony, 1745-1796.

Historical Era: American Revolution, 1763-1783

Full Transcript: Philada July 25th 1780 -, Dear General, , , Your fav of the 13th. Inst, came to hand yesterday - I thank you for your paper & send you one in Exchange. Capt Lobbie I have not yet found, but shall apply at the Board of War for information respecting the most expeditious mode of forwarding his Letters. , The Tories in Carolina have had [inserted: a] gentle carrying: Thank God for small mercies. I hope this is but a trifling prelude to some Adagio that is to come. I speak in Musical Terms to a musical man. , [2] The French Force at Rhode Island consists of 8 ships at the Line, 5000 Troops, two Bom Catches & 3 Frigats. Genl. Washington to be hona. & obey’d by the French Army as Marshall of France. The American Troops always to have the right & our Officers holding Commissions of equal rank & date with theirs, to take command. These are marks of great attention. Our new Lines are very tardy in their operations. Why are they not sent forward? Something important must be done this Campaign, or shame & disgrace will be our portion. Admiral Greaves sailed from New York a few days ago with all the Naval Force he could collect, amounting to about 20 Sail. ’Tis said he is destined to the West Indies for the relief of [3] Rhodney’s Fleet which has been soundly drubed by the Caint De Gerichin, who has sunk one of their 74 gun ships & taken 3 more; the Ballance blocked up at St. Lucia. All this by spies & from NYork observe I tell it to you on no other Authority. By some ’tis conjectured that Greaves is gone to take a peep at Admiral Tourney, if so I hope he may be made to pay for peeping. , Genl Wayne made an unsuccessful Attempt to storm a Block house of the Enemy’s at Bergen a few days ago. The attack was made with the utmost gallantry & the place would probably have been carryed, but no entrance could be found, there being no other but a subteranious one. Our Loss was 60 odd kill’d & wounded, in [4] exchange for which he got some hundreds of Bullocks. As much as we want But this [inserted: is] but a bad Exchange. This is all the news I can recollect & some of this will perhaps be more particularly related in the News paper which I have not yet read. When do you dot out on your Southern Expedition? , Success & happiness attend you when & where so e’re you go - Adieu -, My Dear Friend, , Jn. Walker , , [docket], 1780

Sub Era: The War for Independence

Background: John Walker served as an extra aid to George Washington during the Revolution, and later became a United States Senator from Virginia., George Weedon was a brigadier general in the Virginia militia.