From George Washington to Nathaniel Peabody, 14 September 1780
To Nathaniel Peabody
Head Quarters [Bergen County] Septr 14th 1780
Sir
I have been duly favore⟨d⟩ with yours of the 12th inclosing the sev⟨eral⟩ articles of intelligence respecting the fleet of our allies; for which I beg you will accept my thanks.1
Thro’ several different channels I had previously received information that a squadron of heavy ships, with a number of Frigates had sailed from Cape Francois the destination of which was unknown2—I am happy in receiving any additional circumstances, which may tend to ascertain an object of so much importance.
Amongst other things it would have given me pleasure to have been informed of the state of your health; which however I cannot but flatter myself is much bett⟨er—that⟩ it may be speedily and perfectly ⟨recovered⟩ is the sincere wish of Sir Your Most Obedient & Very Hble Servant
Go: Washington
LS, in David Humphreys’s writing, CSmH; Df, DLC:GW; Varick transcript, DLC:GW. Mutilated material on the LS is supplied in angle brackets from the draft, which is in the writing of GW’s aide-de-camp David Humphreys.
Maj. Caleb Gibbs wrote Peabody from headquarters in Bergen County on 16 Sept.: “On my arrival here, after I had the pleasure of seeing you, I mentioned to His Excellency what you desired me, respecting the Camp furniture you was so obliging as to offer for the use of his family.
“He told me he would be glad to have them, as they would be of service during the Campaign.
“I will not mention the particular articles wanted, but should be glad you would order on all that are good and fit for use of the different kinds. We have nothing new in this quarter, the General and family are well, wishing you a full reestablishment of your health” (, 4:406–7).
2. For this French fleet, see William Heath to GW, 6 Sept., n.3.