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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.

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