From George Washington to Major General Horatio Gates, 7 October 1778
To Major General Horatio Gates
Head Quarters [Fishkill] October 7th 1778
Sir,
Your letter of yesterday reached me in the night—Your observations on the probable intentions of the enemy are forcible—The capture or destruction of the French fleet appears to be1 the most important object they can have on the continent; and it is very possible they may have it in contemplation, though the time they have lost since they have had the superiority at sea and the advanced season of the year are strong arguments against it—Our present disposition was formed on the possibility of such an event—at the same time, that it does not lose sight of the security of the North River, or the concentration of our force to repel any attempt upon the army. Though it may not be probable that the enemy have at present any design against either of these—it would be imprudent to offer them a temptation by diminishing our strength in a considerable detachment so far Eastward as to be out of supporting distance. If they were able to possess themselves of the Highland passes and interrupt the navigation of the River, the consequences on the score of subsistence would be terrible as well to the fleet as the army. It is supposed the enemy have lost all hopes of effecting any thing material against these states, and this supposition is upheld by powerful reasons; but after all, the truth of it depends so much upon the contingencies of naval operations and European politics, that it would be very unwise2 to let it essentially influence our military arrangements.
I am taking measures for having all the roads leading towards Boston3 put in repair, for the more convenient marching of the several columns, in case a movement further Eastward should become necessary—You will therefore be pleased to send a proper fatigue party on the lower route leading from Danbury to Hartford—so that the column which may march thence may not interfere, with the others, by falling into the same road so long as it can be avoided. The column nearest to that, will proceed by New Millford, Woodbury and Waterbury to Farmington—The repairs are only to be extended through the rough country.
You will also send a Quarter Master forward to observe the good halting places at proper stages. His report you will communicate to me. I am Sir Your most Obedt servant
Go: Washington
LS, in Alexander Hamilton’s writing, NHi: Gates Papers; Df, DLC:GW; copy, enclosed in GW to John Jay, 14 April 1779, owned (2006) by Mr. Joseph Rubinfine, West Palm Beach, Fla.; Varick transcript, DLC:GW.
1. At this place on the draft manuscript, Hamilton first wrote: “is certainly.” He then struck out those words and wrote “appears to be” above the line.
2. At this place in the text, the draft reads: “could not be wise.”
3. At this place on the draft manuscript, Hamilton first wrote: “Hartford.” He then struck out that name and wrote “Boston” above the line.