Griffin, Cyrus (1748-1810) to Burgess Ball
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Gilder Lehrman Collection #: GLC04377.05 Author/Creator: Griffin, Cyrus (1748-1810) Place Written: s.l. Type: Autograph letter signed Date: 10 November 1779 Pagination: 3 p. : docket ; 18.2 x 15.2 cm. Order a Copy
Takes "one moment to say that we have miscarried in Georgia; a storm was attempted against Savannah; ... lost about two hundred men- among others the brave General Pulaski." Possibly referring to his fellow Continental Congressmen, states "my Constituents must have a curious Idea of the Virginia Importance in this union to neglect it so greatly at this important period."
Ball was the husband of George Washington's niece. In the American Revolution, Ball served as a volunteer aide to Washington, Captain of the 5th Virginia Regiment of Foot, and as a colonel. Griffin, educated in Britain as a lawyer, served as a member of the Virginia State house of delegates in 1777, 1778, 1786, and 1787. He was a Continental Congressman 1778-1780 and 1787-1788, serving as Congressional President in 1788. General Casimir Pulaski, known as the "father of the American cavalry," died in the 1779 siege of Savannah.
… one moment to say that we have mis carried in Georgia; a storm was attempted against Savannah; in the repulse we have lost about two hundred men - among others the brave General Pulaski. The Count [Comte D'Estaing of France] would continue no longer, and is gone off probably to the West Indies. [2] a very unfortunate matter indeed, considered in more lights than one. The Great Dominion has left me alone in this important Delegation; my Constituents must have a curious Idea of the Virginia Importance in this union to neglect it so greatly at this important [strikeout] [inserted: period]…during the siege we have taken near two hundred prisoners - -two papers enclosed - [no longer present]."
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