Document, 1780 February 26

Title
Document, 1780 February 26
Library Location
Rare Book & Manuscript Library, Columbia University
Name
Ternant, Jean Baptiste, chevalier de, 1751-1833 (Author)
Jay, John, 1745-1829 (Addressee)
Format
correspondence
Digital Project
Papers of John Jay
Date
1780 February 26
Physical Description
4
Subjects
United States--History--Revolution, 1775-1783; Jay, John, 1745-1829
Summary
He reports on his mission and on affairs in the southern states. On the 17th of last December, upon an application from de la Luzerne, Congress resolved to empower the Commander-in-chief of the southern department to act with the Governor of Havana or some other representative of Spain for the reduction of the enemy in Georgia and the conquest of East Florida. 120 vessels sailed from New York. Because of the danger which threatened Charleston and South Carolina, General Lincoln stayed there with his troops, and Ternant was sent to Havana. The Governor of Havana knows nothing of the plan, and his forces are hardly sufficient to defend his own island. Ternant is leaving plans for a combined attack and is returning to the American army, and the Governor will await instructions and reinforcements. The enemy forces at Charleston number 5,000, and they have a strong fleet, but the U.S. expects reinforcements.
Identifier
columbia.jay.07163