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 ; Height: 22.5 cm, Width: 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."
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