To George Washington from Major Henry Lee, Jr., 21 July 1779
From Major Henry Lee, Jr.
Haverstraw [N.Y.] July 21st 79
sir
Having received no late instructions from your Excelly, I have employed myself as usual.1
On the 19th a body of the British landed in the evening on Stony-point, they reimbarked early in the night taking with them the brass twenty four left by us.2
Yesterday another body landed on Verplanks: during the day baggage was put on shore in great quantitys.
The Major part of the army from intelligence receivd from below, lay encamped near Tallers point, which is just below the mouth of Croton river. The Cavalry are part of this army.
It is probable this day will determine whether Stony point is to be repossessed. Whatever may happen shall be communicated without loss of time.
A marauding party landed two days since at the Slote,3 they collected a few cattle, but before they got on board was attacked by the guard, lost most of their plunder two men killed & seven prisoners. I have the honor to be sir most respectfully your Excys most ob. sevt
Henry Lee Junr
ALS, MH: Sparks Collection.
1. Specific instructions had been sent recently in a letter from GW’s aide-de-camp Alexander Hamilton to Lee, or in his absence, Capt. Allen McLane. Written at Stony Point, N.Y., on 17 July, it reads: “There is an incampment of the enemy or a demonstration of one which appears on the other side of the River considerably on this side of Tarry Town. You will be pleased in conse[que]nce to have patroles kept from this till morning seven or eight miles down along the shore & on the roads leading to this place on our right. This may be a critical night and demands the greatest vigilance” ( 2:105).
2. The British reoccupied Stony Point on 19 July (see Richard Butler to GW, that date, and n.2 to that document; see also GW to Anthony Wayne, 1 July, and n.2 to that document).
3. Lee is referring to Tappan Slote, now Piermont, New York.