Washington, George (1732-1799) to George Clinton re: situation on the Hudson River, Battle of Stony Point
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Gilder Lehrman Collection #: GLC00496.102 Author/Creator: Washington, George (1732-1799) Place Written: West Point, [NY] Type: Letter signed Date: 19 July 1779 Pagination: 2 p. ; 34 x 21 cm. Order a Copy
Reporting the battle of Stony Point. With brief postscript by Washington. Docketed on p. 2.
Notes: Published in John C. Fitzpatrick. The Writings of George Washington 15: 439.
Signer of the U.S. Constitution.
West Point July 19th: 1779.
Dr Sir
I this morning received your favor of the 18th when returning from Stony Point. Being very much fatigued and not having received a detail account of the Action yet, I cannot comply with your Excellency's request. However for your private information - I believe the Garrison at Stony Point amounted to about 500 rank & file - of which between twenty & thirty might have been killed - about forty wounded & the rest taken. Fifteen pieces of Ordnance altogether and a suitable supply of Ammunition. - Provisions none. A Small reinforcement of the Enemy arrived yesterday at Verplan[c]ks - and from intelligence their main body was moving up by Land & Water - that the advance of the Troops moving by Land was at the New bridge on Croton. Part of those on board ship were arrived just opposite Colo Hay's or a little below and many other Vessels were heaving in Sight last night. This movement obliged Major Genl Howe to retire from before the Enemy's lines on Verplan[c]ks Point. We disman<tled> the Works at Stoney [sic] Point - yesterday and last night [2] and have destroyed them as far as circumstances would permit. We could not hold them.
I am Dr Sir in haste
With great regard & esteem
Yr Most Obed Sert
Go: Washington
P.S. The State of the Enemy's force on Verplan[c]ks before this reinforcement was about the same of that on Stoney [sic] Point.
[docket]
19: July 1779
[struck: Genl Washington]
Genl. Washington's Letter respecting Reduction of the Enemy's Garrison at Stoney [sic] Point. -
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