Humphreys, David (1752-1818) to Jeremiah Wadsworth
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Gilder Lehrman Collection #: GLC00250 Author/Creator: Humphreys, David (1752-1818) Place Written: Peekskill, New York Type: Autograph letter signed Date: 05 August 1780 Pagination: 3 p. : address : docket ; 23 x 18 cm. Order a Copy
Encloses a paper (not included) that explains the reasons for the recent movements of both the British and Continental armies during the Revolutionary War. Also encloses a sketch of the order of battle (not included) for the Continental troops. Mentions that Major General Benedict Arnold has been appointed to the command of West Point. Lord Stirling succeeds to the left wing. He has heard that the militia of North Carolina has taken down 60 of the enemy's horses but he does not know if this is true or not. Mentions his personal financial affairs and asks Wadsworth to procure him a good saddle horse. Docketed by recipient.
Humphreys was aide-de-camp to General George Washington in 1780. Colonel Wadsworth was Commissary-General of the Continental Army. Arnold, in command of West Point, plotted with the British army to transfer the fort, which would have given the British control of the Hudson River and split the colonies in half. The plot was thwarted, but Arnold successfully avoided arrest by Continental forces, and fled to the British forces. He was given a commission in the British Army, and eventually was elevated to the rank of general.
Head Quarters Peekskill
Aug. 5 1780
My Dear friend
Inclosed you will find a paper which contains the true grounds & reasons of the late movement of both Armys- It is sent elsewhere to be published without name I believe-
You You have also here a sketch of the Order of Battle, as far as it concerns the Continental Troops only- no alterations have been made except in the appointment of Maj. Genl. Arnold to the Command of West Point- Lord Stirling succeeds to the left wing-
From NYork it is reported that Militia of North Carolina have surprized & put to the Bayonet 60 of the Enemys Horse in the Borders of North Carolina - how far true I know not -
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