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| Field name | Value |
|---|---|
| Collection Reference Number | GLC01450.026 |
| From Archive Folder | Documents Relating to 1778 |
| Title | Samuel Adams to Sally Adams on the Battle of Monmouth |
| Date | 2 July 1778 |
| Author | Adams, Samuel (d. 1788) |
| Recipient | Adams, Sally |
| Document Type | Correspondence; Military document |
| Content Description | Gives his wife a day by day account of the Continental troop's movements leading up to the Battle of Monmouth, 28 June 1778. States they crossed the Delaware 21 June at Coryell's Ferry, camped at Hopewell, went on to Princeton, Kingston, Longbridge, and on Friday 26 June slept at Cranbury. Indicates that detachments were sent out under General Charles Lee and the Marquis de Lafayette which camped at Englishtown Saturday 27 June. These detachments attacked the British a little below Monmouth Sunday 28 June but had to retreat because the British outnumbered them. General George Washington joined them with the main army and began a fierce cannonade. Other detachments attacked with small arms and the British were forced to retreat from the field by 4PM. Adams declares it a complete victory over General Henry Clinton's army. Believes the British lost 300 men and lists some officers that died or were wounded on the Continental side. Thinks the Continentals only lost a fifth of the number of British casualties. Reports that men on both sides died because of the oppressive heat. States he slept out on the battlefield with no covering. The British retreated to Sandy Hook and left some wounded soldiers at the Monmouth Court House. States that the next day they buried the dead and cared for the wounded. The army went back to Englishtown, then Spotswood, then Brunswick on their way to South River. Explains that he has not received any wages yet and someone stole $20 and his papers from him. Asks her to write, asks about their daughter. Says he enjoys marching with the army but misses her. Adams was the son of Samuel Adams and a surgeon with the Continental army. Paper is embossed with three rare 4-pence (“A” die) stamps from the Stamp Act period (1765-1766). |
| Subjects | Battle of Monmouth Revolutionary War Battle Military History Global History and Civics President Weaponry Artillery Death Injury or Wound Soldier's Pay Finance |
| People | Adams, Samuel, Jr. (1751-1788) Adams, Sally (fl. 1778) |
| Place written | Brunswick, New Jersey |
| Theme | The American Revolution; Women in American History; Children & Family; Health & Medicine; Foreign Affairs |
| Sub-collection | The Gilder Lehrman Collection, 1493-1859 |
| Copyright | The Gilder Lehrman Institute of American History |
| Module | Settlement, Commerce, Revolution and Reform: 1493-1859 |