To George Washington from Brigadier General William Maxwell, 24 June 1778
From Brigadier General William Maxwell
Maiden Head [N.J.] 24th June 1778 8 oclock A.M.
Sir
I Received a Message from General Dickenson last night to return to Trenton again that the Enemy was in force in the other side of the Drawbridge and attempted to lay it but He had beat them off I could not go then as my People had been Marching all day with out Provisions besides I informed him I thought it was a faint of the Enemy & I would wait his further Intiligence of this Morning which I now Inclose to Your Excellency1 I have given orders for Marching Immediately towards allen Town if I cannot get sooner on their left flank I am Sir Your Most Obedient Humble Servant
Wm Maxwell
ALS, DLC:GW.
1. Maxwell enclosed a letter of this date to himself from Maj. Thomas Egbert of the 3d Regiment of Middlesex County, N.J., militia: “The enemy that appeared at the draw Bridge yesterday, Encampt Last night Just uppon the high ground, the Other side of the draw Bridge were they continued till this morning, about daybreak when they disappeared, & itt is supposed their Rout will be by Allinston, the Genel desires, youll march your Troops down, and Fall on their Left Flank, they attempted to lay down the Bridge but Genel Dickinson receiving information Orderd down the Militia, & the artillery, were we Exchangd several shot with them, killd some few of them, on which they Retird and Encampt” (DLC:GW).