George Washington Papers
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From George Washington to Major General Israel Putnam, 24 July 1777

To Major General Israel Putnam

Head Quarters Ramapough [N.J.] July 24th 1777

Dr sir,

I have just received advice of the Enemy’s fleet having sailed from the Hook, in consequence of which I have to desire you will immediately make Genl Sullivan’s & Lord Stirling’s Divisions cross the river and proceed towards Philadelphia—They will have more particular Orders on their Rout—You are to reserve two field pieces for each Brigade that remains behind, except that which is to garrison the forts, and all the rest of the field Artillery is to come on with the forementioned divisions—Colo. Crane’s Battalion is to accompany them, and Colo. Lamb’s to supply their place. I am Dear sir Your most Obedient servt

G. Washington

Lord Stirlings Baggage will meet him at Sufferans—The inclosed order is to be communicated both to him & General Sullivan who are to observe the same, as they cannot be too unincumbered & expeditious.1

Df, in Caleb Gibbs’s writing, DLC:GW; Varick transcript, DLC:GW.

1This enclosure has not been identified, but the first of Putnam’s two letters to Maj. Gen. John Sullivan of 25 July indicates that GW’s orders were communicated to Sullivan and Lord Stirling on that date (see Hammond, Sullivan Papers description begins Otis G. Hammond, ed. Letters and Papers of Major-General John Sullivan, Continental Army. 3 vols. Concord, 1930-39. In Collections of the New Hampshire Historical Society, vols. 13–15. description ends , 1:418–19). In his second letter Putnam urges Sullivan to cross the river and join GW “without a moments delay—Lord Sterling has already Cross’d and I trust you will Loose no time in following him” (ibid., 419–20).

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