George Washington Papers

From George Washington to Lieutenant Colonel Udny Hay, 17 May 1780

To Lieutenant Colonel Udny Hay

Head Quarters Morris Town 17th May 1780

Dear Sir

Be pleased to make immediate enquiry what number of the platform plank which were cut last fall and brought down the River still remain at Fishkill or West point,1 and give directions to Colo. Lewis to have the number made up to 1000 of the proper length and thickness—General Schuyler thinks his Mills at Saratogha can furnish the deficiency2—As this may be a matter of importance, request Colo. Lewis to have the plank cut and sent down as speedily as possible.3 I am &c.

Df, in Tench Tilghman’s writing, DLC:GW; Varick transcript, DLC:GW.

1For the orders to cut wood to support anticipated siege operations in fall 1779, see GW to George Clinton, 29 Oct. 1779; see also GW to Robert Howe, 15 May 1780, and n.4.

2Philip Schuyler owned a sawmill and gristmill on his farm located along the Hudson River at the mouth of Fish Creek. Schuyler’s farm comprised a portion of his Saratoga, N.Y., lands (see Gerlach, Philip Schuyler description begins Don R. Gerlach. Philip Schuyler and the American Revolution in New York, 1733-1777. Lincoln, Nebr., 1964. description ends , 48).

3William Maltby Betts replied for Hay on 22 May.

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