Washington, George (1732-1799) to Henry Knox
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Gilder Lehrman Collection #: GLC02437.09375 Author/Creator: Washington, George (1732-1799) Place Written: Peekskill, New York Type: Manuscript letter signed Date: 2 July 1781 Pagination: 3 p. : address : docket ; free frank ; 23 x 19 cm. Order a Copy
Hopes General Lincoln can carry out a successful surprise attack on York Island (Manhattan) that night. Gives details on the plans for this attack, and what will be done to follow it up, including Knox reinforcing the position. Also discusses transportation of military stores from Philadelphia. Also includes free frank signed by Washington. Docketed in Knox's hand.
Signer of the U.S. Constitution.
Head Quarters Peekskill 2d. July 1781.
Dear Sir
I have recd. your favor of the 29th. ulto. The arrangement which you have made for the periods of transportation of the heavy Stores from Philada. agrees perfectly with my Ideas of the matter, as I think we must be certainly able to determine ultimately upon our plan of operations, by the time they are to be in motion -
An enterprize, which I have long had in contemplation, will be executed in the course of this night, if Genl. Lincoln, who commands the operating party, finds the attack advisable upon reconnoitering the situation of the enemy, and he can do it by surprise. The enterprise is against the posts upon the North End of York Island [2] - The remainder of the Army marched this morning towards Kingsbridge. [inserted: part of] The French Troops were last night at Ridgebury and will be at Bedford this evening. They will, in the course of tomorrow, be at hand to support us should there be occasion. At the same time that the posts upon York Island are attempted, I have planned a surprise upon Delanceys Corps at Morrisania, which is to be executed by the Duke de Lauzun in conjunction with Sheldons Regt and Waterbury's State Troops.
Should we succeed in the attempt upon the posts, every effort will be made to hold them, and your assistance will be materially necessary. I shall take the speediest method of communicating the event to Genl. Mc.dougal at West point, who will fire the Alarm [3] Alarm Guns and Beacons as signals for the Governor, who will bring out the Militia to our support. You will therefore take it for granted that we have succeeded, if you see or hear the signals. You will, in such case immediately down, leaving Colo. Stevens every thing in readiness to follow.
I am with very great [text loss]
Dear Si[text loss]
Your most ob[text loss]
Go: Washington
Brig. Genl. Knox.
[docket]
From his Excellency
General Washington
3d July 1781 -
Original
No: 36 -
[address]
Brigr. Genl. Knox
[Artillery] Park
New Windsor
Go: Washington
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