From George Washington to Brigadier General Anthony Wayne or Officer Commanding the Light Corps, 20 July 1779
To Brigadier General Anthony Wayne or
Officer Commanding the Light Corps
New Windsor July 20th 1779
Sir
Col. Butlers favor of last evening I have received—The opinion he has of the enemys designs renders it unnecessary for me to caution you on the score of keeping out the necessary Guards & patroles;1 The look out boats I have desired Genl McDougal to order down to be under yr command that you may officer & man them, with such persons as you can fully confide in2—this will enable you to obtain the earliest notice of the enemys movements, & should any take place, or any thing important occur—you will take care to have it communicated, as well to the different commanding Officers in the vicinity of West point, as to Genl McDouga⟨l.⟩ I propose either this evening or tomorrow to pitch my Tent some where near West point.3 I am &c.
G.W.
Df, in Richard Kidder Meade’s writing, DLC:GW; Varick transcript, DLC:GW. The draft manuscript is docketed: “Genl Wayne or Officer Commd light Corps.” The name “Col. R[ichar]d Butler” is written on the first page of the draft manuscript, indicating that this officer was the original addressee, a point further suggested by the “Your” that started the letter until struck out in favor of “Col. Butlers.”
2. See Alexander McDougall to GW, 17 July, which suggests that GW sent this order in an unfound letter to McDougall of the same date.
3. GW reached West Point this evening (see the general orders for this date, source note, and for 21 July, n.1).