From George Washington to Colonel Moses Hazen, 24 January 1780
To Colonel Moses Hazen
Morris Town Jany 24th 1780
Dr Sir,
Your letter of yesterday came duly to hand. I am aware of the difficulties there would be in the way of surprising the enemy, and I approve the caution you discover. Nothing (as I before intimated1) will at present warrant the attempt, but a moral certainty that they are much off their guard, whic⟨h⟩ by your information does not appear to be the case.
If there is only a subalterns party at Dungan’s it is not an object for a movement of your whole detachment: were the success certain it would not recompense the fatigue of the men, nor would it have a good air to go upon the Island a second time for so trifling a consideration. If a small party could with safety be sent to take off the guard it would not be amiss.
I would recommend to you not to repose much confidence in Hatfield, from what I have learnt he is a suspicious character and will probably endeavour to serve the enemy more effectually than us.2
I am sorry a better opportunity does not seem to present itself, as I am persuaded you would make a good use of it. I am &.
Df, in Alexander Hamilton’s writing, DLC:GW; Varick transcript, DLC:GW.
2. GW had also warned Brig. Gen. William Irvine, Hazen’s predecessor as commander of the brigade on the front lines, that Morris Hatfield was not to be trusted (see GW to Irvine, 1 Jan., and GW’s first letter to Irvine of 9 Jan.).