To George Washington from Major General Israel Putnam, 16 July 1779
From Major General Israel Putnam
Clove [N.Y.] July 16th 79
Dr sir
I am this moment honord with your Excellencys Letter, announcing the agreeable & happy news of Genl Waynes Success, on which I most heartily congratulate you.1
Your Excellencys Letter of yesterday did not reach me till 7 oClock this morning and as the Horses are at a considerable distance I do not think it will be prudent to delay the March of the Troops till they arrive2—I shall accordingly order them off without delay.
In the mean time I wish to be inform’d as soon as possible, with which division I shall march myself, as no mention is made of it in yr Letter. I have the Honor to be Your Excellencys Most Obed. Sert
Israel Putnam
LS, DLC:GW.
1. This letter from GW to Putnam, presumably this date, has not been found. Brig. Gen. Anthony Wayne’s light infantry successfully attacked Stony Point, N.Y., on the night of 15–16 July. For an overview of preparations, and the attack’s aftermath, see GW to Wayne, 1 July, n.2; see also Wayne to GW, 17 July, and GW to John Jay, 21 July.
2. GW’s letter to Putnam of 15 July has not been found.