Washington, George (1732-1799) to William S[tephens] Smith
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Gilder Lehrman Collection #: GLC03770 Author/Creator: Washington, George (1732-1799) Place Written: Newburgh, New York Type: Autograph letter signed Date: 3 March 1783 Pagination: 2 p. : address : docket ; 31.8 x 20.3 cm. Order a Copy
Written by General Washington to Lieutenant Colonel Smith as commander of the post at Dobbs Ferry, New York. Discusses the problems of trading with British-occupied New York City and the issue of states ignoring the "barrier between us and the enemy."
Signer of the U.S. Constitution.
Newburgh 3d. March 83
Dear Sir,
I have been favoured with your private letter of the 24th. Ulto. & thank you for the information contained in it. -
It is much to be regretted that while I am using every means in my power to comply with the orders of Congress (founded in my opinion on our true interest & policy) that there should be such a counteraction as we daily experience [struck: by] [inserted: from] individuals. - But more lamentable is our
situation, [inserted: it appears that] when States, or the Administration of them, are leaping over those bounds which ought to be a sacred barrier between us and the Enemy; & without which, all opposition to their measures must soon cease - or dwindle into something very farcical.
That the intercourse with New York by way of the Sound, is, in a manner unrestrained, I have little doubt of - and that the very Boats which are Armed & Commissioned for the purpose of cutting of this Communication are employed in facilitating the Trade, I have a recent proof of in One which was caught in the fact, by the vigilance of Majr. Talmage, with E. Goods on board.
We have only to persevere & with the means we possess, give all the checks to it in our power. - Every Officer who exerts himself in this business shall meet every support I can [2] give - and will undoubtedly merit the approbation of Congress. -
With respect to the other matters entertained in your Letter, I have to entreat that you will keep an attentive eye towards them - that you may be able, if it should become needful, to give me as good information as the nature of the case will admit - Let the motives to these enquiries be hid from those about you, & confined to your own breast. - I have reasons for giving you this caution which cannot be entrusted to Paper.
I am Dr Sir
Yr. Most Obedt. Servt.
Go: Washington
Lt Colo. Smith.
[docket]
Head Quarters 3.d March
1783 - Private from G. W.ton.
To Gl. Commanding
officer of the advanced
Post of the American Army
Colonel W..S..Smith
[address leaf]
Private
Lieutt. Colo. Smith
Comg. at the Post of
Dobbs Ferry
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