1From George Washington to Major Samuel Hayes, 30 September 1779 (Washington Papers)
I have been duly handed your favor of the 27th with the intelligence which it covered. Major Lee of the Light dragoons is placed at English Town in Monmouth County to answer a particular purpose which I have in view at pres[e]nt. It is necessary that he should till my further orders be furnished as soon as possible with the copy of the information as you may obtain of the enemy’s embarkations...
2From George Washington to Lieutenant Colonel John Taylor or Major Samuel Hayes, 10 October 1779 (Washington Papers)
It is yet a matter of uncertainty whether His Excellency the Count D’Estaing will come to the Northward with intent to operate, or return to the West Indies. Should he determine upon the former and New York should be the object, the possession of Staten Island will be absolutely necessary: to accomplish which, we should be previously well informed of the Strength of the Enemy upon it—what...