From George Washington to Major Henry Lee, Jr., 27 June 1780
To Major Henry Lee, Jr.
Ramapaugh [N.J.] June 27 1780
Dr Sir
You may remain in your present position till further orders. In the mean while and without delay I request you to reconnoitre the country well about Totawa and between that and Pompton by the routs of Col. Deys & Prekenis; and report to me the kind of roads—passes—and quantity of green forage, with other circumstances that come under a military view. I am Dr Your ob. ser.
G.W.
Df, in the writing of James McHenry, DLC:GW; Varick transcript, DLC:GW.
1. GW is referring to the Great Falls of the Passaic River.
The southern part of Preakness Mountain begins just north of the Passaic River near Totowa, N.J., and runs northwest in a semi-circular direction for several miles. Along with Packanack Mountain to its west, Preakness Mountain forms the Preakness Range, which contains the three highest peaks in the Watchung Mountains. The extensive valley between the lower Pequannock (now called the Pompton) River and the Preakness Range was known in the eighteenth century as the Preakness area.
2. Lee conducted his reconnaissance on 29 June (see Lee to GW, 30 June). On 1 July, GW moved the army to a camp in the Preakness area (see General Orders, 30 June and 1 July).