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Gates, Horatio, 1727-1806 to Richard Howley

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Gilder Lehrman Collection #: GLC06278 Author/Creator: Gates, Horatio, 1727-1806 Place Written: Berkeley County, Virginia Type: Autograph letter signed Date: February 23, 1781 Pagination: 4 p. : Height: 25.4 cm, Width: 20.3 cm Order a Copy

General Gates encloses a letter from Virginia Governor Thomas Jefferson (not included). Discusses Lord Cornwallis's advance into Virginia, arguing against those who think the action rash because of the support Cornwallis may have from General William Phillips in North Carolina and Benedict Arnold "in his front." Asserts the possibility of Cornwallis defeating General Nathanael Greene and making a cooperative maneuver with General Henry Clinton before the Continental Army is recruited and equipped. Comments on his desire for additional news and to travel to Philadelphia. Also discusses the policies of France, Spain, and England.

Gates, Horatio, 1727-1806
Howley, Richard, 1740-1784
Arnold, Benedict, 1741-1801
Cornwallis, Charles Cornwallis, Marquis, 1738-1805
Greene, Nathanael, 1742-1786
Clinton, Henry, Sir, 1730-1795
Phillips, William, 1731-1781

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