To George Washington from Brigadier General Charles Scott, 20 October 1778
From Brigadier General Charles Scott
Near Bedford [N.Y.] October 20th 1778 5 oClock
Sir
I have this moment got som intelligince worth Your Excellencys Attention, which I have inclosd You Seperately.1 as You may think of many things To ask the Spie I have provided him a horse and Shall forward him to head Quarters as fast as Possable. I have advanced to him twenty one dollars To Carry him to his Regiment which I hope Your Excy Will approves—You will also find inclosd a letter of Genl Knyphausens Respecting the Behavour of one of Our Flags taking some Cattle from a Country man on his return from the enemys lines, and the answer that I propose sending to it.2 but first wish to have Your Approbation. I expect Some farther Accounts from the City tomorrow when rec’d I shall Forward thim With dispatch. I am Your Excellencys Obt Servant
Chs Scott
ALS, DLC:GW.
1. The enclosed intelligence report of this date reads: “A Gentleman—informs that eighteen or twenty ships of the line are at the Hook waiting to convoy the troops, and that about ten thousand are going off—the New Levy horse are embarking. near the whole of the Brittish troops are on board, and were embarking on Sunday & monday last [18 and 19 Oct.]—That he heard the Officers whispering that they were going to South Carolina, but from others he understood they were going to Boston, for it was the opinion of many that they could have no inducement for an Attempt on the Southward. That it was reported on the Island that Halifax was taken—He thinks there will be a Garrison left at York, as they are very busy getting Wood and hurrying it into the City.” At the end of the document, Scott wrote: “this Acot is deliverd me by Capt. Leavenworth who gets it from another Gen[tlema]n on Long Island” (DLC:GW).
2. These enclosures have not been identified.