doc_id n="S5-V3-P03-sp03-D0116">

Colonel Harcourt to Admiral Geary

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Brunswick, New-Jersey, in America, December 18, 1776.

SIR: It is with infinite reluctance I find myself under the very disagreeable necessity of communicating to you an event which must, I am persuaded, give you the utmost concern. Cornet Geary having been ordered to advance with a party some miles into the country to procure intelligence of the enemy' s situation, was upon his return from that duty fired upon by a party of the Rebels, who had concealed themselves on each side of the road by which he proposed to have passed. Unfortunately a ball took place, which in one moment deprived you of a son, and the regiment of an officer, whose loss cannot be sufficiently lamented.

I have only to add, that I am, with very sincere regard, your most obedient, humble servant,

WM˙ HARCOURT.