1Editorial Note (Washington Papers)
The unwillingness of the French expeditionary force to leave Rhode Island to combine with the Continental army for a concerted effort to oust the British from New York City frustrated both Major General Lafayette and GW. The two men again felt frustration when logistical failures foiled an opportunity to overwhelm an enemy force on Staten Island, New York. Not wanting to see the entire...
2I. George Washington to Major Samuel Darby, 17 November 1780 (Washington Papers)
You will take charge of the Boats with the Army, and see that they are provided with Oars & held in the most perfect readiness for instant use. You will try them in the Water to see if they are quite tight, when full loaded; and you will ascertain the number of Men that each Boat will carry with tolerable convenience, & make report thereof to me. You will number the Boats, & put them into...
3II. George Washington to Colonel Thomas Craig, 21 November 1780 (Washington Papers)
On thursday morning you will march with all the men of your detachment fit for duty to Springfield, where you will halt during the night and next day, ’till three oClock in the afternoon; at three oClock on friday, you will move towards Elizabeth Town, making a slow easy march to avoid fatiguing your men. At Elizabeth Town, you will receive further orders from a General Officer, which you will...
4III. To George Washington from Captain John Fowles, 21 November 1780 (Washington Papers)
This Morning Seven OClock I Recevd Intelegence that the enemy had Landed at Newark brak day But their Numbers as yet I cannot assertain I am informd that they have Some Artillery and from the Hights Can Discover a Large Smoak but hear No firing. I am Sir your Excellencys most obedient Humble Servt ALS , DLC:GW . GW replied to Fowles from headquarters on this date: “I have recd your Letter of...
5IV. George Washington to Major John Mauritius Goetschius, 21 November 1780 (Washington Papers)
Relying upon your prudence, I inform you in confidence that I have in contemplation a movement of some importance towards Elizabeth Town—in which you will be very useful by securing all the water craft on the Hackensack from the New Bridge downwards, and effectually guarding all the crossing places, fords &c., so that no person may be able to pass to the enemy with intelligence. You will begin...
6V. George Washington to Lieutenant Colonel Gouvion, 21 November 1780 (Washington Papers)
You will proceed to Fort Lee and thence with the greatest secrecy and caution along the margin of the North River to the landing which is opposite Spiten Devil Creek. You will observe with the greatest accuracy possible the numbers & situation of the enemys works from Fort Washington upwards—the huts incampments barracks in or near them—the number of troops that occupy these and are otherwise...
7VI. George Washington to Colonel Stephen Moylan, 21 November 1780 (Washington Papers)
At nine OClock in the morning of 24th Friday you will parade with your regiment at Totawa bridge, furnished with two days provisions; and you will detail parties towards the New Bridge and thence upwards to the bridge near Demeries and downwards as far as you think necessary to answer the purpose, to secure all the crossing places on the Hackensack and prevent any person going with...
8VII. George Washington to Brigadier General John Stark, 21 November 1780 (Washington Papers)
Capt. Humphrys one of my Aides de Camp is charged by me with orders of a private and particular nature, which he is to deliver to you and which you are to obey—He will inform you of the necessity of this mode of communication. I am Sir Yr most obt Servt. Df , in Tech Tilghman’s writing, DLC:GW ; Varick transcript , DLC:GW . GW’s aide-de-camp David Humphreys had ranked as lieutenant colonel...
9VIII. George Washington to Brigadier General Anthony Wayne, 21 November 1780 (Washington Papers)
On Friday —morning, at Sun rising you will march the division under your command to a mile below Acquaquenack Bridge, advancing a Regiment a Mile or two in your front towards New Ark, and remain in this position ’till Retreat beating. You will then renew your march, slowly, a Mile or two forward and till it is quite dark and there halt till further orders. These will reach you in all...
10IX. George Washington to Major Samuel Darby, 22 November 1780 (Washington Papers)
You have been directed to do everything necessary for putting the boats under your care in perfect order, muffling the oars &c. and the Quarter Master General has been desired to furnish you with all the necessary means. You will be pleased to distribute your boats into four equal divisions, as nearly as may be, both with respect to number and size, numbering the whole 1. 2. 3. &c. each of...