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Subject Area: Political Theory
Subject Area: War and Peace
Topic: The American Revolution and Constitution

TO THE MARQUIS DE LAFAYETTE. INSTRUCTIONS. - George Washington, The Writings of George Washington, vol. VII (1778-1779) [1890]

Edition used:

The Writings of George Washington, collected and edited by Worthington Chauncey Ford (New York and London: G. P. Putnam’s Sons, 1890). Vol. VII (1778-1779).

Part of: The Writings of George Washington, 14 vols.

About Liberty Fund:

Liberty Fund, Inc. is a private, educational foundation established to encourage the study of the ideal of a society of free and responsible individuals.


TO THE MARQUIS DE LAFAYETTE.

INSTRUCTIONS.

Sir,

You are immediately to proceed with the detachment commanded by Genl. Poor, and form a junction as expeditiously as possible with that under the command of Genl. Scott. You are to use the most effectual means for gaining the enemy’s left flank and rear, and giving them every degree of annoyance. All Continental parties, that are already on the lines, will be under your command, and you will take such measures, in concert with Genl. Dickinson, as will cause the enemy the greatest impediment and loss in their march. For these purposes you will attack them as occasion may require by detachment, and, if a proper opening shd. be given, by operating against them with the whole force of your command. You will naturally take such precautions, as will secure you against surprise, and maintain your communication with this army. Given at Kingston, this 25th day of June, 1778.1

[1 ]On the morning of the 23d, Washington marched to “Hopewell Township, near the Baptist Meeting,” where he located his headquarters. He had expected to be nearer Princeton, but the enemy moved more slowly than he had expected, and he was uncertain of their intentions. He called upon Major-General Dickinson for guides, and described the detachments harassing the enemy as follows: “Morgan’s corps is to gain the enemy’s right flank; Maxwell’s brigade to hang on their left; Brigadier General Scott is now marching with a very respectable detachment destined to gall the enemy’s left flank and rear,” while Cadwalader, with some Continental troops and volunteers, had crossed the Delaware and was marching to the enemy’s rear.—To Dickinson, 24 June, 1778.

He dated a letter to General Dickinson “John Hunt’s, near the Baptist Meeting House, 24 June, 1778, ½ after 4 a.m.