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

TO BRIGADIER-GENERAL WAYNE. - 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 BRIGADIER-GENERAL WAYNE.

Dr. Sir,

I have reflected on the advantages and disadvantages of delaying the proposed attempt, and I do not know but the latter preponderate. You may therefore carry it into execution to-morrow night, as you desire, unless some new motive or better information should induce you to think it best to defer it. You are at liberty to choose between the different plans on which we have conversed. But as it is important to have every information we can procure, if you could manage in the mean time to see Major Lee, it may be useful. He has been so long near the spot, and has taken so much pains to inform himself critically concerning the post, that I imagine he may be able to make you acquainted with some further details. Your interview must be managed with caution, or it may possibly raise suspicion.1 I am, dear Sir, &c.

[1 ]Major Henry Lee, with his light dragoons and Captain Allen McLane’s company, was stationed at Haverstraw, for the purpose of gaining intelligence and watching the movements of the enemy. On the 15th Washington ordered Brigadier-General Muhlenberg to put his brigade in motion about midnight, marching secretly and perfectly light, with one day’s provision, towards Stony Point, as Wayne had gone to that place “to take a view of the enemy, and, if an opportunity offers, to attempt something serious.” At half-past nine on the morning of the 16th the following laconic note was received by Washington from Wayne:

Stony Point, two o’clock, a.m., 16 July, 1779.

Dear General,

“The fort and garrison, with Colonel Johnson, are ours. Our officers and men behaved like men who are determined to be free.

“Yours, most sincerely,

Anthony Wayne.