Washington, George (1732-1799) to Gen. David Forman re: watching the British in New York
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Gilder Lehrman Collection #: GLC01783 Author/Creator: Washington, George (1732-1799) Place Written: [Verplanks Point, NY] Type: Letter signed Date: 1782/09/09 Pagination: 1 p. 30 x 18 cm Order a Copy
Written in the hand of Washington's aide-de-camp Jonathan Trumbull, Jr. Written two months before the signing of the first provisional peace treaty between Great Britain and the United States in Paris on November 30, during the uneasy lull that followed American victory at Yorktown in September 1781. As Brigadier General of New Jersey militia, Forman had acted as Washington's watchman since 1780 by keeping the Commander in Chief advised of enemy movements off the coast. Even after ratification of the peace treaty, it was not until November 1783 that British troops entirely evacuated New York City.
Signer of the U.S. Constitution.
Headquarters 9th Septemr 1782
Sir --
I have to acknowledge the Receipt of your last two Favors of the 3d & 7th instant - the last came to Hand at 1/2 after 10 o'clock this morning.
<I> have only to <request> your watchful attention to the movements of the fleet and also your Endeavors to obtain any particular accounts from N York since the arrival of the last Packet from England that may fall within your power.
I am Sir
Your most hmbe Servt
Go: Washington
B. Genl Forman
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