Washington, George (1732-1799) to George Baylor
High-resolution images are available to schools and libraries via subscription to American History, 1493-1943. Check to see if your school or library already has a subscription. Or click here for more information. You may also order a pdf of the image from us here.
A high-resolution version of this object is available for registered users. LOG IN
Gilder Lehrman Collection #: GLC07486 Author/Creator: Washington, George (1732-1799) Place Written: s.l. Type: Letter signed Date: 22 September 1778 Pagination: 1 p. ; 30 x 20.1 cm. Order a Copy
Advises Baylor to "use every means in your power" to ascertain as much information as possible about the British troops embarking from New York. Also instructs him to keep an eye on the North River and to notify West Point if he sees any British transports go by. Written just prior to British General Charles Grey's attack at Old Tappan on 28 September 1778. Water damaged ink.
Signer of the U.S. Constitution.
Baylor served as aide-de-camp to Washington in 1775. He was bayoneted through the lungs and captured at Old Tappan, 28 September 1778.
Head Quarters 22d Septr 1778
Dear Sir. Your letter of the 20th Inst I had the pleasure of receiving yesterday.
I would wish you to ascertain with as much precision as possible the
number of troops that imbark, and the time of their departure from New York, with what other circumstances can be gained respecting them. For this purpose you will use every means in your power, and transmit the result of the enquiry to me with all expedition.
I am Sir
Your most obt. Servt.
Go: Washington
P.S. you will keep a careful and constant look out on the North River, and should you observe any number of transports in motion [inserted: this way] you will give the earliest notice possible to the commander at West Point.
Colonel Baylor
Citation Guidelines for Online Resources
The copyright law of the United States (title 17, United States Code) governs the making of photocopies or other reproductions of copyrighted material. Under certain conditions specified in the law, libraries and archives are authorized to furnish a photocopy or other reproduction. One of these specific conditions is that the photocopy or reproduction is not to be “used for any purpose other than private study, scholarship, or research.” If a user makes a request for, or later uses, a photocopy or reproduction for purposes in excess of “fair use,” that user may be liable for copyright infringement. This institution reserves the right to refuse to accept a copying order if, in its judgment, fulfillment of the order would involve violation of copyright law.