TO JAMES BOWDOIN.
[MS., Massachusetts Archives; a draft is in the Samuel Adams Papers, Lenox Library, and the text is in W. V. Wells, Life of Samuel Adams, vol. iii., p. 102.]
HARTFORD June 20 1780
SIR
We have the Honor of transmitting to you the Copy of a Letter from General Washington to Governor Trumbull. The Contents are of so pressing Importance, that we thought it our indispensible Duty, without Delay, to forward an Express to Brigadier General Fellows, of the County of Berkshire, with a Letter the Copy of which we also inclose; and to inform Major General Howe who commanded West Point, of the Measures we have taken.
Although we have acted on this urgent Occasion, without Authority, yet
we flatter our selves, that in Consideration of the very critical
Situation of the Army, our Proceeding thus far will meet with the
Approbation of the General Assembly.
We are with the greatest Respect & Esteem Sir your most obedt & very humble Servts 1
1 Signed also by Elbridge Gerry, as were the succeeding four letters.