Sept. 27, 1842.
R. M. Whitney, Esq.,—Dear Sir—I am provoked to find that, upon comparing my copy of Col. Smith's letter to Col. ——, with the original, that I have made another error! I hope this will reach you in time for its correction. Speaking of his visit to Gen. Washington at Mount Vernon and Washington, it should be, and Philadelphia.
Respectfully &c.,
VALLEY FORGE.
Sept. 28, 1842.
R. M. Whitney,—Dear Sir—I have been absent for a day or two from the city, and did not receive your note until to-day. I enclose a note for publication—oblige me by letting it appear to-morrow. I cannot imagine how so stupid an error could have occured as the erroneous date of Kemp's discharge by Gen. Washington. But the error almost corrects itself—as Kemp's letter of July 2d, speaks of the battle of Monmouth on the 28th. I do not know whether the blunder is that of your workman, or mine in the haste of transcribing. One or two other errors, which are mine, I made the subject of two notes, which I addressed you through the Post-office. My absence from town, and my intended absence to-morrow, prevent my preparing another article for Saturday. Possibly, I will have it ready for Monday, and certainly for Tuesday. Acknowledge its receipt, and that it will appear on Monday or Tuesday. I have not yet come to the real gems of my budget. Reed shall have a surfeit.
Respectfully &c.,
VALLEY FORGE.
Sept. 30, 1842.
R. M. Whitney, Esq: Dear Sir—Nothing could have afforded me more pleasure than the publication which has been made by the Reeds. It has given me the opportunity, which I have from the first been seeking, of bringing the question of General Reed's revolutionary exploits to a crisis. I pledge myself to you, that I will overwhelm them with confusion and shame.