To George Washington from Major General Philemon Dickinson, 17 June 1778
From Major General Philemon Dickinson
Trenton [N.J.] 17th June 1778
Dear Sir
The inclosed Letter, I this moment received from Govr Livingston1—I pressed him in the strongest manner, to call out the whole of our Militia, but to no purpose—your Excellency will see his determination by the inclosed. Genl Maxwell informs me, in a letter of yesterdays date, that the Enemy are still busily engaged, in crossing over to the Jersey shore, Troops, Artillery, Horses, Cattle &c. &c.—and that, they have order’d up a number of Vessells. I have the honor to be, Your Excellency’s most Ob. St
Philemon Dickinson
ALS, DLC:GW.
1. The enclosed letter from William Livingston to Dickinson, dated 16 June at Princeton, reads: “Upon laying your Letter of this day & a Copy of General Washingtons of yesterdays date before the Council, they advised me to call out 4 Classes of the militia (exclusive of what are out) with 4 days provisions & all the ammunition they have with them, & the rest to hold themselves in readiness at a moments warning upon the Signals being given—These orders are already given to General Heard and general Winds respecting their Brigades—To The Counties not in their Brigades you will give the like orders—No place is fixt upon for their rendezvous but they are ordered to send you notice of their march by express, & wait your farther orders … P.S. I could not get sight of your express” (DLC:GW).