George Washington Papers

VIII. George Washington to Brigadier General Anthony Wayne, 21 November 1780

VIII
To Brigadier General Anthony Wayne

Head Quarters 21st Novemr 1780

Dr1 Sir

On Friday2—morning, at Sun rising3 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 dark4 and there halt till further orders. These will reach you in all probability before you halt.

When you arrive however at Acquaquenac, you will begin a Forage, for which purpose a number of Waggons will be sent down: but you will do this in such a manner as not to fatigue your Men, whose services may be wanted in a more essential manner. You will have two days provision cooked, three wd be better.5 You know the importance of secrecy in all military movements. I am with great Regard Yr most obt Servt

Go: Washington

LS, in Tench Tilghman’s writing, PHi: Wayne Papers; Df, DLC:GW; Varick transcript, DLC:GW. GW signed the cover of the LS.

GW wrote Major General Stirling from headquarters on 23 Nov.: “After perusing the inclosed order, you will be pleased to communicate it as soon as possible to Brig. Genl Wayne—Be pleased to acknowledge the receipt of this that I may be sure it got to hand” (LS, in Tench Tilghman’s writing, NHi: Stirling Papers; Df, DLC:GW; Varick transcript, DLC:GW; no reply from Stirling has been found).

1GW wrote this word on the LS.

2GW wrote this day, which was 24 Nov., in a space Tilghman had left on the LS.

3GW wrote the previous three words in a space Tilghman had left on the LS. GW’s aide-de-camp Alexander Hamilton, who prepared the draft, initially had written “by day light” at this place.

4GW wrote the previous six words above the line on the LS.

5GW wrote the previous four words above the line on the LS.

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