Sullivan, John (1740-1795) to William Whipple
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Gilder Lehrman Collection #: GLC04845 Author/Creator: Sullivan, John (1740-1795) Place Written: Newport, Rhode Island Type: Letter signed Date: 23 August 1778 Pagination: 1 p. : address : docket ; 32.4 x 21 cm. Order a Copy
Requests Whipple's opinion on the best course of action regarding the siege of Newport now that "The Count De Estaing...abandoned us in the present Enterprise and opened the Harbour for...Reinforcements." Believes the British have only 6,000 men, while the American forces number "8,174. Rank & File exclusive of 628...Artillery Men." Asks Whipple whether he thinks it best to continue the siege without French naval support and risk the British reinforcing their position by sea, or to attack immediately with what seems a superior force, or to withdraw at once. Desires that Whipple's reply explain the reason for his choice and how best to carry it out. General Sullivan posed this question to a number of officers. GLC03232 is a reply by John Crane to a letter of Sullivan's that must have been almost identical to this one.
The French and Americans had planed to mount a joint assault on the British at Newport. When many of the French ships were damaged in a storm their commander Vice Admiral d'Estaing was forced to move his fleet to Boston for repairs, taking his 4,000 French troops with him. Sullivan was furious at d'Estaing, and was forced to quickly abandon the siege.
John Sullivan served as a major general during the Revolution and also served in the Continental Congress and as the President of New Hampshire.
Jean Baptiste Charles Henri Hector, Comte d'Estaing, was a French Vice Admiral sent with twelve battleships and fourteen frigates to assist the colonies during the American Revolution. Also known as the Marquis de Saillans.
William Whipple was an American Brigadier General during the Revolution, served in the Continental Congress, and signed the Declaration of Independence.
Camp before Newport Aug 23, 1778
Sir
The Count De Estaing having abandoned us in the present Enterprise and opened the Harbour for the Reception of Reinforcements from New York it becomes my Part to inform the General Officers & Officers commanding Brigades of my present Force & that of the Enemy as nearly as can be collected & at the Same Time to request Your Opinion upon Several Questions. The Number of our Army amount to 8,074. Rank & File exclusive of 628 [matrosses] Artillery Men. the whole exceeding well officered & a Reinforcement of 3000 Men more will probably be here in a few Days. The Number of the Enemy from the best Calculation amount to about six thousand including Artillery Men, Seamen &c. In our present Situation one of three Things only can remain To be done sir to continue the Siege by Regular Approaches & hazard the Arrival of a Reinforcement - To make an immediate Attack on their lines or to retreat from the Island the the Stores &c. which have been collected.
Your Opinion upon which of them of these three is most advisable in our present Situation is requested. Should You be for continuing the Siege You will mention Your Opinion Respecting the [illegible] a Retreat in Case a British Fleet should arrive with a Reinforcement.
Should you be of the opinion that an Attack Should be made you will plan to point out the Manner in which You would wish it to be carried into Execution.
Should Your Opinion be in Favor of a Retreat You will plan to Signify whether you think it Should take Place immediately & Your Reason for its taking Place at all. Your opinion in writing upon these questions is expected without Loss of Time.
I am dear Sir with much Esteem
Your most obedt. Servn
Jno Sullivan
Genl Whipple
[docket:]
Genl Sullivan
Augst 28 1778 with
The answer -
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