From George Washington to Major General Israel Putnam, 14 June 1779
To Major General Israel Putnam
Smith’s [Clove, N.Y.] June 14th 1779
Dr Sir
As I am just setting out for West point where I may remain for two or three days,1 You will take the command of the Troops in this Camp till my return. I have published this in orders2 and you will receive from the Adjutant General the disposition I have made for opposing the Enemy in case they should move against the post at west point.3 All I have to request at present is, that you will have a meeting with the General Officers as is therein mentioned & as soon as possible and fix upon the Signals necessary for our Government in case of Action.4 The matter must not be delayed. I am Dr sir with great regard Yr Most Obed. sert
G.W.
Df, in Robert Hanson Harrison’s writing, DLC:GW; Varick transcript, DLC:GW.
1. GW’s aide-de-camp Richard Kidder Meade received money from Maj. Caleb Gibbs on 16 June and paid $7 to “Thurot, Pilot in the Mountains” (Revolutionary War Accounts, Vouchers, and Receipted Accounts 1, 1776–1780, DLC:GW, Ser. 5).
2. See General Orders, this date.
3. See Circular to the General Officers, 13 June, and the “Contingency Orders” printed as an enclosure to that document.
4. These signals pertained primarily to calling out militia.