Econlib

The Library

Other Sites

Front Page arrow Titles (by Subject) arrow TO MAJOR-GENERAL ST. CLAIR. INSTRUCTIONS. - The Writings of George Washington, vol. VIII (1779-1780)

Return to Title Page for The Writings of George Washington, vol. VIII (1779-1780)

Search this Title:

Also in the Library:

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

TO MAJOR-GENERAL ST. CLAIR. INSTRUCTIONS. - George Washington, The Writings of George Washington, vol. VIII (1779-1780) [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. VIII (1779-1780).

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 MAJOR-GENERAL ST. CLAIR.

INSTRUCTIONS.

Sir,

You will repair forthwith to West Point, and take the command of that post with its dependencies till further orders. The troops under your command will consist of the Pensylvania Division, Col. Meigs’s and Livingston’s regiments of Continental troops, and a body of Massachusetts and New Hampshire Militia. The enclosed is a copy of the instructions left for the Commanding officer, which you will please to observe. Unless you should think it necessary, for the immediate security of the post, to draw the first Pensylvania brigade nearer West Point, I should wish it to remain somewhere in its present position, as it may then, at the same time, serve the purpose of reinforcing the main army, in case of a movement against it. But, on the first appearance of the enemy coming in force up the River, that brigade should have previous orders to march to your succor.

Orders have been given, in the case last mentioned, for the posts at Verplanck’s and Stony Points to be evacuated, with all the cannon and stores, and the garrison added to that at West Point. But I would not wish this step to be precipitated; as, in case of an attempt to surprise you, these posts will not only be useful to give you the alarm, but they will probably, in all cases, gain you time, as the enemy would hardly venture to pass them with transports full of troops. The baggage and extra stores may be sent off at the first aspect of a serious movement; but the troops should not evacuate until the enemy are in a situation to invest the posts. Dobbs’s Ferry may also serve you as an outpost; but care must be taken to distinguish the firing against a single vessel passing, from that against a number, which will of course be more continued. Great vigilance should be used in patrolling on the East side of the river, as it will otherwise be easy for the enemy to land a body of men below, and surprise Verplanck’s. I must entreat your particular care of the boats on the river; to keep them in repair, and as much as possible collected. All those at King’s Ferry, more than are wanted for the necessary service of the communication, should be removed up the River. A part of the Militia at Verplanck’s and Stony Points may also be drawn to the main garrison. Given at Headquarters, Tappan, October 1st, 1780.