Young Washington | Official Trailer

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To William Fitzhugh
Camp near Valley-forge June 8th[–18] 1778.

Dear Sir,
Your favor of the 8th past came duly to hand & the Letter inclosed in it for your Son safely delivered.1 I have given him a Cornacy in Baylors Regiment of light Dragoons, with which he seems to be pleased, and I have not a doubt will do honor to himself & the Corps, as he is spirited & possesses a fund of good sense, and good humour which cannot fail of rendering him agreeable to the Regiment he is going into; the Officers in which being all Gentlemen. He had hopes of providing such necessaries as he wanted, at Wilmington; but his success in the attempt I have not heard.

We have been in daily expectation of an evacuation of the City of Phila. why it has not taken place before this, as the Baggage—Stores—& every thing else belonging to the Enemy is on board Transports I cannot undertake to say unless the arrival of the long talked of Commissioners has been the cause. these Gentlemen have at length appeared in the characters of Lord Carlisle, Govr Johnston & Mr Willm Eden.

June 18th I had wrote thus far, and in my hurry of business laying the Letter aside forgot it, till this days post reminded me of it. The enemy evacuated the City of Phila. this Morning they have proceeded from the Ferry at the Town towards Haddenfield in the Jerseys distant ten or twelve Miles but whether they will cross through the Jerseys to Amboy or File off to the Right & meet their Shipping near Newcastle in the Delaware remains to be discovered—Six Brigades of our Troops have already Marched for the Jersey and the whole Army will be in motion at five Oclock in the Morning.

My hurry will only allow me time to add my Compliments to Mrs Fitzhugh & to assure you that I am with great truth and sincerity Dr Sir Yr Most Obt & Affe Ser.

Go: Washington

P.S. Yr Son was very well an hour ago.


From William Fitzhugh
Annapolis Oct. 24. 1778.

Dear General,
Having the honor to meet with your relation, Capt. Lewis at this place, I am happy in the opportunity of addressing you.1

I find my son was taken prisoner with a party of our friend Baylor’s dragoons and is now on Long Island. I have not a letter from him; but advice that he is well; and I have sent him by this week’s post letters of credit for whatever he may want. I am afraid, as we have advice that the enemy are moving from New York, that they will also remove their prisoners, & that my son will be gone before his credit gets to hand. However being truly sensible of your friendship, I am perfectly easy, Knowing I have no occasion to solicit he may be released as soon as possible.2

Our General Assembly were called to meet here on the 19. inst. ever since which I have been in waiting; but we have not a sufficient number of members to make a house. Expect we shall meet tomorrow. I am told there is a letter from You[r] Excellency addressed to both Houses.3 I have not yet seen it. But whatever may be you[r] requisition, I am confidint it will meet with Great respect from our Legislature whom I hope to meet heartily disposed to promote the Good of the Common Cause. The new elections have removed more than half the old members which I do not think will hurt us. I have the honor to be Yr sincere friend,

Wm Fitzhugh

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