John Sullivan Letters for the years 1775 thru 1781

Portsmouth, NH - 29 October 1775

I arrived here in about twenty-four hours after I left you; have collected powder, so as to make up near thirty barrels, and have since been preparing to set an example to the other seaports, by setting the fleet at defiance.

Winter Hill, MA - 17 December 1775

Agreeably to your order, have again waited on Major Rogers, and strictly examined him. Have seen his several permits, and think them genuine, and in every respect agreeable to the copy sent you.

Chamblee, QC, CAN - 3 June 1776

General Thompson writes, that about eight hundred of the enemy had arrived at Three Rivers, forty-five miles below Sorel, where he is. This he has by report only.

Sorel, QC, CAN - 5 June 1776

I arrived here at a very critical moment with my brigade. General Thompson was left but with very few men to defend this important post, the troops being scattered about in a most shocking manner.

Sorel, QC, CAN - 6 June 1776

You are to march as soon as possible with Colonel Irvine's and Colonel Wayne's regiments, together with those of Colonel St. Clair now remaining at this place, and join Colonel St. Clair at Kicolet

Sorel, QC, CAN - 8 June 1776

I received a letter from General Thompson, of which the inclosed is a copy. I find that he has proceeded in the manner proposed, and made his attack on the troops at Three Rivers, at daylight

Isle-aux-noix, QC, CAN - 19 June 1776

By a strange reverse of fortune we are driven to the sad necessity of abandoning Canada. I had the most sanguine hopes of collecting our army together, and driving the enemy below Dechambeau

Isle-aux-noix, QC, CAN - 24 June 1776

I find myself under an absolute necessity of quitting this Island for a place more healthy- other wise the army will never be able to return, as one fortnight longer in this place will not leave us well men enough to carry off the sick

Isle-aux-noix, QC, CAN - 25 June 1776

This was not owing to my being deceived with respect to the enemy on the ground at the time I wrote, but to the sudden arrival of such a number under General Burgoyne, the night before the battle of Three Rivers

Peekskill, NY - 9 March 1777

When I had completed the disagreeable retreat from Canada, I was with circumstances of indignity. Since which, and before, every Major-General, except myself, has had the honor of commanding posts, separated from the main army.

Valley Forge, PA - 26 December 1777

I have consulted some of the General Officers who I thought most capable of advising upon the proper steps to take in our present circumstances. They say that they can by no means advise for or against an attack.

Valley Forge, PA - 2 March 1778

Nothing can be more painful to me, than the repetition of a request, which is known to be disagreeable to a Commander, to whom America in general, and myself in particular, stand so much indebted.

Providence, RI - 1 May 1778

I found, upon my journey home, That there was not the least probability of the enemy's attempting to rescue General Burgoyne and army. I therefore went to New Hampshire, where I tarried about twelve days.

unknown - 13 August 1778

Should the enemy come out to attack us, our dependence must be upon the superiority of our numbers and the point of the bayonet. How our militia may behave on such an occasion, I am unable to determine.

Newport, RI - 23 August 1778

It seems that the Captains of the French fleet are so incensed at the Count D Estaing's being put over them, he being but a land officer, that they are determined to prevent his doing any thing that may redound to his credit or our advantage.

Providence, RI - 3 September 1778

I found means to restore the former harmony between the American and French officers of the army. The Count D Estaing and myself are in the same friendship as heretofore. The reason of the protest has been explained to him

Mill Stone, NJ - 16 April 1779

The variety of reasons, which I urged yesterday, for passing with the main body up the Mohawk River, and down by Wood Creek to the Cayuga Lake, still have their weight in my mind

Sufferns Tavern, NY - 6 November 1779

I find that the whole of the Rhode Island army is encamped on Staten Island, in addition to the troops before stationed there

Sufferns Tavern, NY - 6 November 1779

I am sorry to inform your Excellency, that I am under the painful necessity of leaving a service to which I am, by principle and interest, attached ; and, among the variety of mortifications I must suffer in quitting it

Pompton, NJ - 1 December 1779

Perhaps there was never more justice in any ad vice than that given by the philosopher to his prince, namely, "Always beware of the man that flatters you, and appears to coincide with your sentiments on all occasions."

Philadelphia, PA - 12 November 1780

The army is arranged, I hope, agreeably to your Excellency's wish. The officers have half-pay for life

Trenton, NJ - 7 January 1781

The Committee appointed by Congress to quiet the disturbances of the Pennsylvania line, &c., think it proper to inform your Excellency that they arrived at this place last night, after dark

Trenton, NJ - 10 January 1781

We are happy to inform your Excellency, that the terms offered to the Pennsylvania troops are at length finally, and, as we believe, cordially and satisfactorily, agreed on ; and, to-morrow, we expect the Pennsylvania line will be arranged in its for

Philadelphia, PA - 6 March 1781

After I wrote your Excellency, I found the eyes of Congress turned on Robert Morris, of this city, as Financier. I did not therefore nominate Colonel Hamilton, as I foresaw it would be but a vain attempt.