Putnam, Israel (1718-1790) to John Neilson
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Gilder Lehrman Collection #: GLC06307.01 Author/Creator: Putnam, Israel (1718-1790) Place Written: Princeton, New Jersey Type: Letter signed Date: 20 February 1777 Pagination: 1 p. : address : docket ; 31.5 x 22.4 cm. Order a Copy
Informs that he has received a letter from General Philomen Dickinson transmitting a warning about a British plan of attack against Continental General Putnam and Colonel Neilson. Someone overheard that Cortlandt Skinner, a Tory officer and Lagranger[?] were planning an attack. Directs him to take the necessary precautions. Text in hand of Aaron Burr. Note on address leave permitting John Long to pass to Cranbury, New Jersey, with this letter by orders of Putnam.
Princeton 20th Feby 1777
Dear Colo
I have just I have just recieved a Letter from General Dickenson with one enclosed of which the following is a paragraph "Mr Wagaman is just returned from his Expedition to Brunswick &c &c - Was in G. Skinners Room when News concerning Stocktons Surprize came to Hand - heard Lagranger and Skinner say, that they intended to surprize G. Putnam and Colo Neilson before they could possibly secure their Prisoners way of Hydes town , whether this Intelligence is wor of being communicated immediately to Gen. Putn your Honour will determine, It may be depended on and every thing in Brunswick portends some grand Attempt shortly - The Remainder of his Intelligence requiring not so speedy a Communication shall defer till tomorrow
To Gen: Dickinson yrs Henry Lee Capt. of L.N.
In Consequence of the above you will immediately take every Precaution which would appear to you prudent if you were actually certain of the Truth of the whole of it - I am Sir your most obt Servt
Israel Putnam
Colo Nielson
[endorsement]
Permit John Long to pass Express to Cranbury with this Letter -.
By order of the Genl Putnam.
Dan Putnam ADC
Princeton 20th/Feb. 1777 -
[address leaf]
To
Coll: John Neilson
Cranbury -
Pr. Express}
[docket]
Genl Putnam
Letter 20 Febry- 1773
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