From George Washington to Major General Robert Howe, 20 September 1779
To Major General Robert Howe
Head Quarters West point 20 Sepr 1779
Dear Sir
I have this moment recd your favs. of the 19th and 20th1 My Accounts from New York by way of Staten Island agree in the main with yours, and General Wayne just now informs me that he is of opinion that the evacuation of both Verplanks and Stoney points is in agitation.2 You must exercise your own judgment in pitching upon a position, I have only one general Rule to lay down for you, which is, to keep at such a distance with your main Body as to avoid a possibility of a surprize; & to be very vigilant.3 I am &c.
Df, in Tench Tilghman’s writing, DLC:GW; Varick transcript, DLC:GW.
1. These letters have not been found.
2. Brig. Gen. Anthony Wayne’s letter to GW has not been found, but see GW to Wayne, this date.
3. For Howe’s selection of a position near Bedford, N.Y., see GW to Howe, 18 Sept., n.2.