From Alexander Hamilton to Major General William Alexander, Lord Stirling, [30 August 1780]
To Major General William Alexander, Lord Stirling
[Teaneck, New Jersey, August 30, 1780]
My Lord
The General approves your proposed order and requests you to forward a copy to the respective guards.1 Tomorrow in general orders, they and the militia will be directed to take their orders from you. Bedkins2 corps is instructed to join you for the purpose of vedets.
I have the honor to be Yr Lordships humb Sr
Alex Hamilton Aide D Camp
Aug. 30. 80
ALS, Mrs. Archibald M. Crossley, Princeton, New Jersey.
1. On August 30, 1780, Washington wrote from Teaneck, New Jersey, to Lord Stirling that there were indications of the enemy “removing from Long Island to York Island.” He, therefore “request[ed] your Lordship to give a standing order, while we remain in this position, to the Regiment on the left of Poor’s Brigade, in case of a landing and firing at the Picket on their left, to march immediately to its support …” (George Washington Papers, Library of Congress).
2. Captain Henry Bedkin.