To George Washington from Major Henry Lee, Jr., 30 June 1780
From Major Henry Lee, Jr.
Paramus [N.J.] June 30th 80.
sir:
I examined the country directed by your Excellency yesterday.1 I find a position most convenient for an army on the road by Captain Marsailles to Col. Dey’s. Having passed Marsailles house one mile, you arrive at the junction of the Paramus & Dey’s road.2 Here commences the position I allude to, & continues along Deys road. a very copious branch of water runs close to the camp in front—smaller streams which sometimes fail, are on the flanks & in rear. Two roads only lead to the camp from the enemy; one on each Flank. these two roads become one after passing totowa bridge one mile on the eastern side of the river. On the western side of the r[i]ver runs the road to acquaquanunc & the Mountain meeting house—On the eastern side of the neck in front of the camp is a range of mountains impervious to the march of an army.3
From this position are three routes of retreat, all easy, the one towards chatham by the two-bridges a[t] little falls: a second to Pumpton plains, & a third to Pumpton by Ogdens mills.4 One days ma[r]ch will bring the army to Morris town or to Ramepaugh. The country is very well supplied with green forage. The woods in front & rear are alike; both mountainous. Few whigs live in the neighborhood—Should the army encamp among them, it would be very encouraging to distinguish them.
From this days intelligence I remain in opinion, That ambuscade would succeed in Bergen-woods. I also think that procrastination will loose the opportunity. I apprehend they will retire, or be strengthened. Tomorrow night will be convenient—If your Excy app[r]oves of it the reinforcement ought to reach Fells house this evening.5
Could not artillery move to the N. bridge6 by 10 on the morning of attempt; if the First plan fails, then co-erce ⟨the⟩m from their position. I have the honor to be sir with inviolable attachment your Excys h: sert
Henry Lee Junr
ALS, DLC:GW. A notation on the cover indicates that a dragoon conveyed the letter.
1. See GW to Lee, 27 June. “Yesterday” refers to the day that Lee carried out GW’s reconnaissance order.
2. “Dey’s road” probably refers to the secondary road running from the vicinity of the two bridges across the forks of the Pequannock River north and then northwest to the Pompton ironworks. The road began near Theunis Dey’s house.
3. Lee is referring to the Preakness Range.
4. A contemporary map situates the mill appearing as “Ogdens” on the east bank of the Ramapo River across from Pompton, N.J., and one mile south of Pond’s Church. This location placed it at the western terminus of the Preakness Range along the road leading from Theunis Dey’s house to Pompton (John Hills and Benjamin Morgan, “A sketch of the northern parts of New Jersey” [1781; DLC]).
5. For Lee’s plan to attack the Loyalist outpost at Bull’s Ferry in New Jersey’s Bergen Woods, see his letter to GW of 28 June.
6. Lee is referring to New Bridge, New Jersey.