George Washington Papers

From George Washington to Brigadier General William Maxwell, 6 October 1778

To Brigadier General William Maxwell

Fish kill 6th Otbr 1778

Sir.

Mr Crowels recent violation of the usages and laws of flags render it necessary to adopt some measures, that may prevent1 similar procedings in future.2 For this purpose you will immediately fix upon a certain number of places for the reception of flag-boats, and advise the commanding Officer on Staten Island, of the places, and that no flag boats will be received any where else without a special permission.3 But should the Governor think it expedient, in particular instances, to nominate any other place, at any time, you will comply with his intentions.4 I am Sir &.

G.W.

Df, in James McHenry’s writing, DLC:GW; Varick transcript, DLC:GW.

1McHenry inadvertently neglected to delete the word “a” at this place on the draft manuscript.

2For Thomas Crowell’s misuse of a flag of truce, see William Livingston to GW, 21 Sept., and GW to William Livingston, 5 October.

3At this place on the draft manuscript, McHenry first wrote and then struck out the phrase: “first obtained from the Governor of the State, or the commanding officer.”

4The Varick transcript reads: “instructions.” Maxwell apparently received similar instructions from Gov. William Livingston (see Prince, Livingston Papers description begins Carl E. Prince et al., eds. The Papers of William Livingston. 5 vols. Trenton and New Brunswick, N.J., 1979–88. description ends , 2:446, n.5).

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