Letter 4:
THE RED COATS ARE COMING
An intelligence report to Gen. George Washington from Col. David Forman, July 18,
1780. Sometimes,
intelligence is garnered through unexpected sources or circumstances.
*Lieutt Wolcott of the Monmouth Militia taken of by the
refugees & exchanged on Tuesday the 18th July 80 – informes
that before he left New York he was informed a body
of troops were imbarked – for Charles Town – that he saw
A number of letters for Charles Town delivered to a
woman as he said the wife of a British Serjt (sergeant?) to then
At Charles Town – I that the war to go with the troops
Then imbarked – On Monday, Mr. Wolcott comes from
New York – at the Narrows he fell in with five
Large transports – The vessel he was in run close
By two of the transports, he saw they were full
of troops – their uniform red ground turns up
white or pale buff – Instead of buttons, in the
hips they were trimmed with lace or fringe – that
the officer of the Flagg informed him they were
Lord Rawdons or some such core – that’s on Tues
day before he was exchanged he saw the said five
ships go to sea.
A DEEPER DIVE INTO THE LETTER