George Washington Papers
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https://founders.archives.gov/documents/Washington/03-09-02-0638

From George Washington to Brigadier General George Clinton, 8 June 1777

To Brigadier General George Clinton

Head Quarters Middle Brook June 8th 1777

Sir

Your favor of 4th Inst. I receiv’d this Morning1—As the Movement of the Enemy & their Designs are as yet uncertain, I have to request that you will keep as large a Body of the Militia as you can collect, & have them in as good order as Circumstances will permit, in case Genl Howe should Incline up North River[.] I have no doubt but you have form’d such a Plan with General Heard as will best tend to the Security and Protection of the people. I am Sir Your most Obedt Servt

Go: Washington

LS, in John Fitzgerald’s writing, NNPM. Although there is no address on the manuscript, the accompanying printed description of the document, which apparently was taken from George H. Richmond’s sale catalog of 1906, says that this letter was written to “Governor Clinton,” that is, George Clinton. The fact that George Clinton had been empowered by the New York convention to call out militia also indicates that this letter was written to him (see George Clinton to GW, 18 April and 1 May 1777). John C. Fitzpatrick says, however, that this letter was written to George Clinton’s brother, James Clinton (see Fitzpatrick, Writings description begins John C. Fitzpatrick, ed. The Writings of George Washington from the Original Manuscript Sources, 1745–1799. 39 vols. Washington, D.C., 1931–44. description ends , 8:202–3).

1This letter has not been found.

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