To George Washington from Major John Clark, Jr., 16 November 1777
From Major John Clark, Jr.
Newtown [Square, Pa.]
16th Novr 1777
May it please your Excellency
Having received information that the Enemy were landing at Chester I immediately dispatched an intelligent person to bring information, he is just returned and informs me there has not been any on shore & that there are not above three or four hundred on board. & those are a part of the Invalids left on Staten Island I am also informed by a Gentleman who viewed all the Transports as the came up with a good Glass—that the above is a true state of their numbers—The Fleet remains in statu quo—500 of the Enemy Garrison Billingsport This Day I expect intelligence from on board the Fleet—I fear my Friend from P——a is caught—however you will soon be informed of Sr Wm Howes further intentions—I shall wait on you tomorrow & communicate a design which I dare Not do by Letter1—’tis said they Enemy have a few Light Dragoons on board—Col. Fitzgeralds Letter of the 9th Inst. I reced last Night2—I hope my Letter of the 12th by Mr Jacobs was received & proved satisfactory with respect to the arrival of the Transports. I am with the greatest respect your Excellency’s Most obedt
Jno. Clark Junr
ALS, DLC:GW.
1. Clark’s “design” has not been identified. Although Clark did not join GW in camp at Whitemarsh, Pa., he did send intelligence about the British army’s movements to GW on two occasions on 17 Nov., the first and longer letter being dated from “Derby Township.”
2. Col. John Fitzgerald’s letter to Clark of 9 Nov. has not been identified.