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Colonial and State Records of North Carolina
Letter from George Washington to John Hancock [Extract]
Washington, George, 1732-1799
July 16, 1777
Volume 11, Page 739

[No. 169. “Gen. Washington's Letters.” Vol 3, p. 328. a State Dep't.]

Camp near the Clove,
16th July, 1777.

To the President of the Congress.
Sir:—

I was yesterday evening honoured with yours of the 14th. I have heard nothing from the Northward since my last. I this day reeeived advice from Staten Island that on Sunday seventy sail of the enemy's ships fell down from the watering place to the Hook, but whether they have since gone out to sea I have not heard. Till I have more certain information of the state of our affairs to the Northward, and of Gen'l Howe's real intentions, I have concluded to halt the army at this place, from whence I can march either forward or return as circumstances may require. If Genl Nash should not have begun his march before this reaches you, be pleased to order him to proceed as far as Trenton only, and there wait my farther orders. In case he should have marched be pleased to despatch an Express after him with orders to halt at Trenton.

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I have the Honour to be, with great respect,
Sir, your most obedt Serv't,
GEO. WASHINGTON.