Autograph letter signed : Mount Vernon, to Noah Webster, 1788 July 31.

Telling him that "a combined operation of the land and naval forces of France in America for the year 1781, was preconcerted the year before"; emphasizing that the place was not selected until closer to the attack; noting that "it never was in contemplation to attack New York," but this rumor was allowed to circulate "for the important purpose of inducing the Eastern & Middle States to make greater exertions in furnishing specific supplies than they otherwise would have done, as well as for the interesting purpose of rendering the enemy less prepared elsewhere"; admitting that "much trouble was taken and finesse used to misguide & bewilder Sir Henry Clinton in regard to the real object, by fictitious communications, as well as by making a deceptive provision of Ovens, Forage & Boats in his Neighbourhood."