To George Washington from Brigadier General William Woodford, 1 November 1779
From Brigadier General William Woodford
Camp, near Kakeate Meeting House1 [N.Y.]
1st Novr 1779
Dear General—
Your Excellencies Letter of the 29th Octr directed me so soon as I was Assured of the Enemies return, to take a position between Suffrans & Stony point. Genl Muhlenberg & myself have reconnoitred all the Ground in this Neighbourhood, & find this the most convenient, unless we had gone near to Stony point, which I did not understand to be your Excellencies intention.
We are at present without Forrage, & ver⟨y⟩ little is to be procured in a reasonable distance of us. I shall send out a party Tomorrow with the Waggons of the Division to Collect what they can.
Your Excellency in a former Letter directed me to send working parties to the point2—as I am unacquainted with the orders that may have been given in consequence of our move, I shall not send any Men down till the Dragoons return with your further orders,3 but so soon as the quartermasters Tools come up, I will continue the Fatigue parties in makeing Fascines &c.—I am, with great Respect Your Excellencies Most Obedt humble Servt
Wm Woodford
ALS, DLC:GW.
1. Woodford is referring to the English Presbyterian Church in Kakiat, now New Hempstead, N.Y., located at an important crossroads. By December 1754, the members of that church already had erected a meetinghouse, which stood until torn down in 1827 (see 285–87).
2. For this order relating to Stony Point, N.Y., see GW to Woodford, 26 October.
3. See GW to Woodford, 2 November.