From George Washington to Brigadier General Henry Knox, 4 June 1779
To Brigadier General Henry Knox
Head Quarters Morris Town [N.J.] June 4th 1779
Sir,
By a letter this moment arrived from General McDougall dated two OClock yesterday,1 the enemy were advancing in force towards The Continental Village.
The other part of their army on the West side were to move the same day to invest the Fort. On reconsideration, as some heavy cannon in our future operations may become essential, if you can possibly procure a sufficiency of horses to carry those at the Park2 with convenience & dispatch, I wish them to join the army without delay— A careful Officer will no doubt accompany them to avoid accidents on the route.
The moment you can be spared I wish to see you in front of West Point. I am Dr Sir Yr Most Obedt serv.
Go: Washington
LS, in Alexander Hamilton’s writing, MeAgMSA; Df, DLC:GW; Varick transcript, DLC:GW.
A letter of 4 June from Knox to his brother William reads: “We are now moving on towards the Enemy on the North River … From the high spirits of our troops, their discipline, and equipments, I think if we come into contact with the Enemy we shall at least do justice to ourselves and Country whatever may be the Event” (NNGL: Knox Papers).
1. This letter from Maj. Gen. Alexander McDougall to GW of 3 June has not been found.
2. GW is referring to the artillery park at Pluckemin, New Jersey.