From George Washington to George Bryan, 9 March 1779
To George Bryan
Hd Qrs Middlebrook 9 March 1779
Sir
I had the honor of your favor of the 5th Instant.
I am much obliged to you for that attention you discover to prevent any intercourse with the enemy, which might be attended with doubtful circumstances. I had taken my measures with the gentlemen which are the object of your information before I recieved your letter, and, restricted them to our own lines at1 Elizabeth Town point where they had liberty to see their friends if they could obtain leave to come over2—This I imagined a sufficient security against any consequences which might be apprehended from a more liberal indulgence.3 I have the honor to be with great respect &c.
Df, in James McHenry’s writing, DLC:GW; Varick transcript, DLC:GW. This letter is dated 10 March in , 1st ser., 7:236.
1. GW inserted the previous four words above the line in his own handwriting.
2. At this place on the draft, McHenry first wrote “under the protection of a pass.” These words were then struck out, and GW wrote “if they could obtain leave to come over” above the line.
3. See GW to William Maxwell, 6 March, in Henry Laurens to GW, 2 March, n.8.