11From George Washington to Brigadier General Duportail, 30 June 1778 (Washington Papers)
You will immediately proceed to Philadelphia, with such of your assistants, as you shall think necessary, to take a full and complete survey of the city the River Delaware and their environs, in order from a collective view of the whole, to form a well-digested plan, for the defence of the River and consequently the city. You are well aware, that in case of an attempt to approach the city by...
12From George Washington to Brigadier General Duportail, 27 August 1778 (Washington Papers)
You will proceed as speedily as convenient to the Highlands and examine the several fortifications carrying on there for the defence of the North River. When you have done this you will make me a full report of their state and progress, with your opinion of any alterations or additions which may appear to you necessary in improvement of the present plan. In doing this, you will of course...
13To George Washington from Brigadier General Duportail, 2 September 1778 (Washington Papers)
The English fleet finding itself by the arrival of six vessels greatly superior to the French fleet, it seems to me that the English may now project a decisive operation. This is to block up the port of Boston with their fleet—to embark all the troops at NewYork—conduct them to Rhode Island—debark them there and march directly towards Boston. To prevent them—this is briefly what I should think...
14To George Washington from Brigadier General Duportail, 13 September 1778 (Washington Papers)
The works, which are in hand at West Point and some inconsiderable ones, which it is necessary to add to them, will, with the help of the chain, perfectly fulfil the object which is proposed, that of hindering the enemy’s remounting the North River. Fort Putnam, which is, as it were, the key of all the others may be rendered almost impregnable. There is indeed a height, which commands it, but...
15From George Washington to Brigadier General Duportail, 19 September 1778 (Washington Papers)
I have perused the memorial which you delivered relative to the defence of the North River at this place —and upon a view of them highly approve what you have offered upon the Subject—Col. Kosciousko who was charged by congress with the direction of the forts and batteries—has already made such a progress in the construction of them as wd render any alteration in the general plan a work of too...
16To George Washington from Brigadier General Duportail, 27 September 1778 (Washington Papers)
je m’étois engagé a suivre de près mr de laumoy a philadelphie, mais j’avoueray a votre excellence que j’ai une Repugnance singuliere a faire le voyage voisy pourquoy. Cette Campagne-cy est peut estre la derniere qui se fera dans le Continent de L’amerique. si elle etoit Donc terminée par quelque action, je serois desespéré de ne m’y estre pas trouvè. je ne Crains pas Certainement que les...
17From George Washington to Brigadier General Duportail, 29 September 1778 (Washington Papers)
You will proceed forthwith to Boston in the State of Massachusettes Bay. You will examine into the state of the fortifications which have been erected and are erecting for the defence of that Town against a Land attack; and you will form a plan, from a view of the whole local situation of the place, which shall appear best calculated to give it the most effectual security, that circumstances...
18To George Washington from Brigadier General Duportail, 20–21 October 1778 (Washington Papers)
jai lhonneur de vous presenter mes observations sur boston. je les aurois envoyé plus tot s’il ne m’avoit fallu attendre six ou sept jours quèlles fussent traduîtes esperant d’ailleurs les avoir à tout moment. enfin on ne me les à Rendu qu’avant hyer et je suis party le lendemain C’est a dire hyer en prenant Congè du general heath j’ai appris que 10 Regiments anglois s’etoient embarqués a...
19From George Washington to Brigadier General Duportail, 31 October 1778 (Washington Papers)
I have received your favour of the 20th, inclosing your remarks on the state of the fortifications already erected for the defence of the Town of Boston, and on such amendments and additions as appear to you necessary to render them effectual. Your reasonings and observations appear to be strong and well founded; but at this distance, and without so perfect a knowlege of the local...
20From George Washington to Brigadier General Duportail, 24 November 1778 (Washington Papers)
The estimate you delivered me some time since of the Cannon wanted for the works of West Point, having been, by some accident mislaid, I am to request you will deliver a copy of it to the President of Congress—which you will be pleased to do as speedily as possible. I am With great consideration and esteem—Sir Your most Obed. servant. Df , in Alexander Hamilton’s writing, DLC:GW ; Varick...