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Sullivan, John (1740-1795) to John Langdon

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Gilder Lehrman Collection #: GLC06521 Author/Creator: Sullivan, John (1740-1795) Place Written: Providence, Rhode Island Type: Autograph letter signed Date: 7 July 1778 Pagination: 3 p. : docket ; 22.5 x 18.9 cm. Order a Copy

General Sullivan discusses the Battle of Monmouth based on information he received from Major Talbot. Referring to the 28 June 1778 battle between Generals George Washington and Henry Clinton, states "about ten in the forenoon General Washington with the Front of his Army Amounting to nearly one half his numbers came up with the Rear of the British Army Consisting of nearly one half their force which was Commanded by General Clinton ... a severe Action immediately Commenced which Lasted well near four in the Afternoon where victory Declared in Favor of the American Army." States that the British left nearly three hundred dead on the battlefield and suffered great losses in dead and wounded. Writes that a great number of British had defected into Washington's army. Reports that General Horatio Gates, Commander of the Northern Department, "summoned Fort Independence to Surrender & on Refusal Began to Cannonade & Bombard it ... The Commissioners will now have an opportunity of being Convinced that neither the Arms or the [Finess?] of Britain can prevail over The Steady virtue & Fortitude of America." Transmits an order for arms for Captain Norton from the Board of War. Discusses orders issued by British Admiral Richard Howe, "which render the Exchange of New England ... impossible."

In the Battle of Monmouth, neither the Continental Army nor the British emerged as a clear victor. Sullivan served as a Continental Congressman from 1774-1775 and 1780-1781. Langdon served as a Continental Congressman from 1775-1776, and resigned to become a Naval agent. He again served as a Congressman in 1787, and as a United States Senator from 1789-1801.

Head Quarters Providence July [inserted: th] 7th 1778
Dear Sir} This morning Major Talbot who had been sent by me to the Southward Returned & Informs: that the Light Troops [inserted: of our Grand Army] came up with the Enemy in Jersy & had several skirmishes with them on the 24th 25th 26th & 27th ultimo. on the 28 about ten in the forenoon, General Washington with The Front of his Army amounting to nearly one half his Number came up with the Rear of the British Army consisting of nearly [inserted: one] half their force which was Commanded by General Clinton in Person. a Severe Action immediately Commenced which Lasted till near four in the afternoon when victory Declared in Favor of the American Arms.- The Enemy notwithstanding their Peculiar alertness in carrying off their dead were compelled to Leave Three hundred Dead on the Field among which Colo. Monckton Brother to the General of that name, This must fully Evince that their Loss in Killed & Wounded was very great. about one hundred were made Prisoners The Enemy Fled Toward Sandy Hook; [strikeout] & did not halt till they had got fifteen miles from the Field of Action. General Washington pursued till he found his army which had marched Eight miles before the Action was [2] too much Fatigued to pursue any Farther [inserted: our Loss was not very considerable]. The Enemy finding it impossible to pass through the Jersies by their intended Rout [strikeout] [inserted: turned off] to Sandy Hook where then shipping fell Down to Receive them General Washington finding it impossible to Attack them on Sandy Hook Turned off to Brunswick and was about marching from thence to North River when Major Talbot left him. [strikeout] I Inclose you a copy of General Washington's orders of the 29th & Congratulate you & my Country on the victory obtained. Twelve hundred deserters from the British Army had come over to General Washington before Major Talbot Left him. General Gates had proceeded toward New York summoned for [strikeout] Independence to surrender & on Refusal began to Cannonade & Bombard it The Cannonade had, [strikeout] [inserted: continued] two Days before Major Talbot passed The Commissioners will now have an opportunity of being Convinced that neither the Arms or the finess of Britain can prevail over the Steady virtue & Fortitude of America.-

I Inclose you by Captain Norton an order of the Board of War for Arms, &. Send an order by him for a Thousand Stand having already received one Thousand of the number [3] mentioned. I beg you to Dispatch Capt Norton with the Arms as soon as possible- & to afford him Every assistance in your power.
I recvd your favor Respecting the Exchange of your Friends & shall comply with your request the first moment That renders it practable- at present Admiral Howe has Issued orders which renders the exchange of New England seamens impossible Colo Supply Class will give you the particulars as I have Inclosed him the papers-
I have the Honor to be
Dear Sir with much Esteem and
respect yr Ancient Friend &
Ally. Jno Sullivan
Honble Jno Langdon Esqr.

[docket]
General Sullivan's
Letter-
July 7th. 1778

Sullivan, John, 1740-1795
Langdon, John, 1741-1819
Gates, Horatio, 1728-1806
Howe, Richard Howe, Earl, 1726-1799

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