Washington, George (1732-1799) to Anthony Wayne re: Burgoyne's captured troops, troop movements
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Gilder Lehrman Collection #: GLC05577 Author/Creator: Washington, George (1732-1799) Place Written: Head Quarters Type: Letter signed Date: 1778/11/25 Pagination: 1.25 p. + FF 34 x 21 cm Order a Copy
Washington orders Wayne to detach troops from his command to prevent Convention troops from passing to New York City, and asks him to keep his troops from harming property of inhabitants ("burning Fences and from committing any kind of waste upon the property"). He also asks Wayne to allow the Virginia troops to pass before him. Docketed by Wayne. "S & K" watermark.
Notes: Fitzpatrick. Writings of Washington. 13: 325-326
Signer of the U.S. Constitution.
Head Quarters 25th Novemr. 1778
Dear Sir
You will be pleased to detach a Captain two Subs and Fifty Men who are to lay at Robinsons Mills near Mahopack Pond till the Rear of the Pennsylvania Troops are about passing the North [Hudson] River, they are then to follow and join their respecting Corps. The intention of this party is to prevent any of the Convention Troops, under pretence of desertion, from passing that way to New York. The Captain will detach a Subaltern and fifteen men to Isaac Beddoes about half a Mile from Robinsons Mills, at the coming in of another Road, for the same purpose. The party of Fifty to be furnished with Six days provision.
The Virginia Troops will be upon their march from West Point to pass at King's Ferry also; therefore in order to avoid crossing their line of march, you are not to advance beyond John Jones's on the Road between the Continental Village and King's Ferry untill [sic] their Rear is in your Front. You will then pass the River as soon after them as possible and continue your march to Middle Brook.
I would wish you to take all possible [2] care to prevent the troops from burning Fences or from committing any kind of waste upon the property of the inhabitants during their march.
I am Dear Sir
Your most ob[edien]t Serv[an]t
Go: Washington
Genl. Wayne.
[with address leaf:]
On Public Service
To Brigr. Genl. Wayne
On his march to
King's Ferry
Go: Washington
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