LITTLE IVIES

Colonel William West to General John Sullivan- 1778 Battle of Rhode Island

From Volume 2, Page 254 of the
"Letters and Papers of Major-General John Sullivan," edited by Otis Hammond, published in 1930.

Col. William West to Gen. Sullivan, Aug. 23, 1778 Autographed Letter Signed

[Sullivan Papers, Coe Collections, New Hampshire Historical Society]

Camp before Newport Augt 23, 1778
Dear Sir Your favour of the present Inst. has come to hand and weighty and important Questions within propos'd been duly considered; In answer to which Questions, it is my opinion That it is most advisable to Continue the Seige, and at the same to secure a Retreat--I think the Ground the Enemy occupies so strong, their works so well Constructed, our Numbers so small and undisciplined that I think the probibility of success against us, in attempting to storm their lines--But I think it most advisable to continue our approaches and stick to this as long as ther is any possibility of Success-and a safe retreat Secured--
However if upon the whole your Excellency thinks it most advisable to storm their Lines I thnk the sooner the better and to be assured that no one shall be more cheerfully to obey your Excellencys Command than his most obedient Servant
William West

posted by Administrator @ 4:29 PM