From George Washington to Brigadier General Anthony Wayne, 4 November 1779
To Brigadier General Anthony Wayne
West Point Novemr 4th 1779
Dear Sir,
I have received information of the Guards (and some add other Troops) advancing to Kings Bridge—This though on the contrary side of the river, is in the vicinity of your Camp. Boats hid at Spiten devil and which can be brought up Harlaem river may under cover of Night land Troops at the Slote—Nyack or the Hook1 before Ten OClock without discovery unless a very good look out is kept They have every reason to wish for an opportunity to retaliate & finish the Campaign with some degree of eclat. I am Dr Sir Yr Mo. Obet servt
Go: Washington
LS, in Richard Kidder Meade’s writing, PHi: Wayne Papers; ADfS, DLC:GW; Varick transcript, DLC:GW. GW signed the cover of the LS.
1. Tappan Slote (now Piermont), Nyack, and Verdrietege Hook, all in New York, are located from south to north along the west bank of the Hudson River. Troops landing at any of these places could push further north and threaten Stony Point or West Point.