From George Washington to Major General John Sullivan, 1 June 1779
To Major General John Sullivan
Head Quarter’s Middlebrook. 1 June 1779.
Dear Sir
Your favor of the 31st came to hand this morning.1
By my instructions which were transmitted yesterday2 you will observe that it is my wish for you to commence your operations the moment you have got yourself in readiness.3 We have no time to lose and I am happy to find every thing in so perfect a train.4 I am Dear sir &c.
Df, in James McHenry’s writing, DLC:GW; Varick transcript, DLC:GW.
1. In this letter to GW, Sullivan reported on repairs to the Great Swamp Road from Easton to Wyoming, Pa., and asked for advice on the proper time to “move on.”
2. GW is referring to his first letter to Sullivan of 31 May.
3. At this place on the draft manuscript, McHenry wrote and then struck out “or as far as complete as the nature of our circumstances will admit.”
4. At this place on the draft manuscript, McHenry first wrote “so far advanced.” He then struck out those words and wrote “in so perfect a train” above the line.