From George Washington to Colonel Henry Beekman Livingston, 16 April 1778
To Colonel Henry Beekman Livingston
Head Quartrs [Valley Forge] 16th April 1778
Sir.
I have just received your favor of this date inclosing a Letter To the Marquis La Fayette.1
your proposition to entrap some of the Enemy’s parties, is a matter I could wish, and think it may be effected, & in order the better to enable you to attempt it, have directed the Commanding Officer of Colo. Morgans Corps, to repair as soon as he can to your post; & in conjunction with your force to form such plan as you may determine most likely to produce success.2 I shall only say that I wou’d have you exceedingly cautious, & secret, in the scheme. I am Sr Yours &c.
G. W——n
P.S. It will be necessary for you to inform Lt Colo. Smith of your design as his aid may be wanted.3
Df, in Richard Kidder Meade’s writing, DLC:GW; Varick transcript, DLC:GW.
1. Neither Livingston’s letter nor the enclosure has been found.
2. The order to the commander of Col. Daniel Morgan’s rifle corps has not been identified. Morgan had left camp for Virginia in January; he would return by early May.
3. Lt. Col. William Stephens Smith was commanding a detachment of troops from Lee’s, Henley’s, and Jackson’s regiments that had been stationed at the Gulph, Pa., by 11 April.