Washington, George (1732-1799) to Col. Charles Stewart re: requesting provisions for attack on British
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Gilder Lehrman Collection #: GLC06768 Author/Creator: Washington, George (1732-1799) Place Written: Peekskill Type: Letter signed Date: 1781/07/01 Pagination: 2 p.+addr 23 x 19 cm Order a Copy
Stewart, Commissary to the Army, is ordered by Washington to provide "four days provisions" to enable a surprise attack on the British. General Benjamin Lincoln led the attack down the Hudson River, but the British were alerted, fortified their positions on the Harlem River, and fended off the attack. In the handwriting of Washington's military secretary and aide-de-camp Tench Tilghman.
Signer of the U.S. Constitution.
Notes: Published in Fitzpatrick, John C. The Writings of George Washington. v. 22: 306.
Head Quarters Peekskill, 1st. July 1781.
Sir
You will perceive by the after orders of yesterday, that the Army are to draw four days provision, which I imagine will be sufficient to last them untill their return to Camp again. But as that may not be the case, and as it may be found expedient after our junction with the French Army to take a position lower down - you will keep all your Stores ready to move at a moments warning, by land or water. The Quarter Master General will furnish the means should there be occasion. You will preserve all the live Cattle now upon hand or which may come in, untill further orders, as they can be expeditiously sent down should the Army have occasion for [2] them. You will continue the baking hard Bread and will form as large a Magazine of salt provision at this place as you possibly can -
I am Sir
yr. most obt. And hble Sert
Go: Washington
Colo Stewart
Commng. Genl. of Issues.
[address]
Public Service
To
Colo Stewart
Comm.ng Genl Issues.
[docket]
Instructions
From Genl. Washington
1 July 1781.
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