From George Washington to Major General Arthur St. Clair, 6 June 1779
To Major General Arthur St. Clair
Head Quarters [Ringwood, N.J.] June 6th 79
Sir,
There is a road leading from King’s ferry to Junes through the Mountains, by which it is possible the enemy may intercept our line of march—You will be pleased to send a good subaltern and a party down that road to find his patroles as near the enemy as he can with safety and communicate the earliest intelligence of any movement— You will for this purpose furnish him with a few horse. If some of the inhabitants well affected & acquainted with the country can be engaged to accompany the party, it will be very useful. It is not improbable there may be parties of the militia on the same road—The officer that commands your party should be cautioned against mistakes. I am Sr Yr Obedt servt
Go: Washington
LS, in Alexander Hamilton’s writing, PHi: William Irvine Papers. This letter is addressed to St. Clair at Galloways in Smiths Clove, New York.
GW’s aide-de-camp Alexander Hamilton had written on 5 June to St. Clair, then at Galloways: “You are to march with your division tomorrow morning at four oClock towards Slotes, where you will halt awhile ’till you hear from His Excellency” (PHi: William Irvine Papers).