Gates, Horatio (1728-1806) to George Clinton re: complaints about a French officer; fortifying Hudson
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Gilder Lehrman Collection #: GLC07128 Author/Creator: Gates, Horatio (1728-1806) Place Written: [York, Pa.] Type: Letter signed Date: 1778/03/05 Pagination: 1 p. + docket 24.6 x 18.3 cm Order a Copy
Responding to complaints about a French officer Col. Louis la Radiere, the engineer engaged in works for the Hudson Highland defenses. "We could wish to avoid offence to any foreigners...we would treat them with all possible respect: but we must not sacrifice, or hazard our safety, from a point of delicacy."
War Office March 5 1778
The determinations of the Board (herewith transmitted) respecting Col. La Radiere, were made in consequence of the remarks of your Excellency and Genl. Putnam concerning him. A member of the Board too has been a witness to the inefficacy of the endeavours of Col. La Radiere & two other French Engineers, to raise the works they had judiciously planned, elsewhere. And the Board are thoroughly convinced that if the actual construction of the works on the North River, be left to Col. la Radiere, they will not be completed till the next campaign is ended, altho' 5000 men should be at his direction. At all events therefore, the Board desire your Excellency to employ that engineer, as far as you shall find him really useful, & no farther. We could wish to avoid offence to any foreigners who have interested themselves in our cause, - we would treat them with all possible respect: But we must not sacrifice, or hazard our safety, from a point of delicacy.
I have the honor to be,
with great respect, your Excellency's
most obedient servant
Horatio Gates President
P.S. The resolves of Congress relative to the defenses of the north river accompany this letter.
Gov. Clinton
Docket:
March 5th. 1778
Letter from Board of War relative
to Col. Radiere and the works on
Hudson River.
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