George Washington Papers

From George Washington to Brigadier General William Maxwell, 1 March 1779

To Brigadier General William Maxwell

Head Quarters Middle Brook 1st March 1779.

Sir

I am favd with yours of the 27th and 28th ulto containing a more particular account of the enemy’s late attempt upon your post1—I do not know what may be their design by landing up the River, but I think you had better desire Colo. Shreves Parties from New Ark to endeavour to keep up a communication with Colo. Clarke’s from Paramus, which will hinder them from effecting any thing by surprize.2 Be pleased to forward the letter for Sir Henry Clinton immediately.3

Inclosed you have the last news papers.4 I am Yr most obt Servt.

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

1Maxwell’s letter to GW of 28 Feb. has not been found.

2Paramus, N.J., is about twenty miles north and slightly northeast of Newark. Where Maxwell was posted in Elizabeth is about six miles south and slightly southwest of Newark.

4The enclosed newspapers have not been identified. See Maxwell to GW, 26–27 Jan., and n.3 to that document.

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