From George Washington to Major General Johann Kalb, 23 March 1780
To Major General Johann Kalb
Head Quarters Morristown 23d March 1780
Dr Sir
I have to acknowlege your favor of yesterday written at half past 11 at night.1
Whatever may be the real object of the enemy, I make no doubt but your vigilance and precautions, should their operations be directed against you, or this way, will obviate any misfortune which they might intend. As an alarm can be conveyed to this ground, in the shortest space of time by the firing of the alarm State cannon, I wish you to take such measures for this purpose as you may judge proper.
It is mentioned in the information that horse vessels were fitted up. I should be pleased to have it ascertained, whether they are of such a kind as may be employed in a voyage, or for the transportation of horse to a distant part of the Continent. I would also like to know what number of boats appear to be a constructing, and what exertions are used to complete them. It is not improbable but that both horse and boats are much wanted for the Southward. I am Dr Sir
G.W.
Df, in James McHenry’s writing, DLC:GW; Varick transcript, DLC:GW.
1. Kalb had written GW from “Camp” on 22 March at 11:30 P.M.: “I, This moment, receive intelligence that ‘the enemy are making great preparations in New york, that they intend to march upon us as Soon as the roads will admit; that their rout is intended to be through New brunswick to Newarck. All the inhabitants of N. york are imbodied for the purpose of garrisoning the city. a great number of flat boats are built, and now lay in the bason. Col. Simcoe is to have twelve boats or waggons with 6 oarsmen to each. Cornelius Haltfield is to cruize in Newark bay with ten boats for which he is raising men at 4 shillings per day. Near 20 horse vessels are fitted, one of which fell down to Cole’s ferry the day before yesterday, with ten flat boats.[’] My informer adds that those vessels are to transport Simcoe’s horses from place to place” (ALS, DLC:GW). This intelligence proved erroneous.