Letter from George Washington to Henry Laurens
6/18/1778
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Gen. George Washington sent this letter to the President of the Continental Congress Henry Laurens reporting that the British were evacuating Philadelphia.
Transcript
Headqrt:/2 after 11.AM. June 18th: 1778115
Sir
I have the pleasure to inform Congress, that I was this minute advised by Mr Roberts that the Enemy evacuated the City early this morning. He was down at the Middle ferry on this side where he received the intelligence from a number of the Citizens, who were on the opposite shore. They told him, that about Three Thousand of the Troops had embarked on board Transports. The destruction of the Bridge prevented him crossing. I expect every moment official amounts on the subject. I have put Ten Brigades in motion, and the rest of the army are preparing to follow with all possible dispatch. We shall proceed forwards Jersey & govern ourselves according to circumstances. As yet I am not fully ascertained of the Enemy's destination, nor are there wanting a variety of opinions as to the route they will pursue, whether it will be by Land or Sea, admitting it to be New York. Some think it probable in such case, that the part of their Army, which crossed
the Delaware, will march down the Jersey Shore some distance and then embark. There is other intelligence corroborating Mr Roberts's, but none Official is yet come.
I have the Honor To be
with great respect & esteem
Sir
Yr Most Obed Servt
G. Washington
P.S. A Letter from Capt McClran dated in Philadelphia, this minute came to hand confirming the evacuation
(Per public service)
The Hon.ble Henry Laurens, Esqre
President of Congress
[illegible]
G. Washington YorkTown
[text upside down and cut off]
June 18. 1778 -
read 20. 1778
referred to the commte of Intelligence -
This primary source comes from the Records of the Continental and Confederation Congresses and the Constitutional Convention, 1765 - 1821.
National Archives Identifier: 7741401
Full Citation: Letter from George Washington to Henry Laurens Regarding 3,000 Enemy Troops Embarking on Transports; 6/18/1778; Letters from General George Washington, Commander in Chief of the Army, 1775 - 1784; Papers of the Continental Congress, 1774 - 1789; Records of the Continental and Confederation Congresses and the Constitutional Convention, 1765 - 1821, Record Group 360; National Archives Building, Washington, D.C.. [Online Version, https://www.docsteach.org/documents/document/letter-george-washington-henry-laurens, April 24, 2024]Rights: Public Domain, Free of Known Copyright Restrictions. Learn more on our privacy and legal page.