To George Washington from Major General Robert Howe, 16 June 1780
From Major General Robert Howe
Highlands [N.Y.] 16th June 1780
Dear Sir
your Excellency’s Favor of the 15th arrived this Moment—I the Day before yesterday acquainted Governor Clinton with the Situation of this Post—the Aspect Things wore, & suggested to him the Necessity of warning the Militia to be ready on the shortest Notice, & lamented the Absence of the New York Brigade in such Terms as could not I think but contribute to induce his remanding them unless absolute Necessity forbid it—which I can not believe can be the Case, for I know of nothing that can happen that Way which ought to be put in Competition with what may happen here1—I had also called the Detachments within supporting Distance, but they shall immediately be brought nearer still (near Enough) your Excellency may depend.2 The Details being much inferior to the Standard you point out they should be at, I shall write as you direct to bring up the Aid you desire me to apply for.3 Emissaries have been already detach’d to impress the Idea you speak of, & Orders Issued & Steps taken pretty similar to those you direct—they shall be repeated, & every Thing mention’d by you, not yet done, be immediately put in Execution. A punctual Observance of your Excellency’s Directions shall be the Rule of my Conduct—the obtaining your Approbation, & serving my Country has been, & ever will be the first Wish of my Heart. I am my Dear General with the warmest Sentiments of Esteem & Affection, & with the greatest Respect your Excellency’s most obedient Humble Servant
R. Howe
LS, DLC:GW. GW’s secretary Robert Hanson Harrison docketed the letter: “An acknowledgement only necessary” (see GW to Howe, 20 June).
1. Howe is referring to his letter to New York governor George Clinton of 15 June. In that letter, Howe advised Clinton that “intelligent & trusty” spies had reported British preparations at New York for an attack against West Point (, 5:826–27).
2. On this date, Howe’s aide-de-camp Capt. Winthrop Sargent wrote Col. Rufus Putnam, who commanded a detachment: “The Genl directs that you instantly return with the Troops under your Command to your old Cantonment at the [Continental] Village; No Time is to be lost” (, 163; see also GW to Howe, 10 June, n.2).
3. Howe wrote Clinton on this date that recent information confirmed earlier intelligence on British plans to attack West Point. The Continental regiments at the post required support from 800 militia “without the least Delay” as well as supplies. Writing again to Clinton on this date, Howe stated that new information received “this moment make it still more necessary to press on your Excellency the necessity of my being reinforced, & that instantly” (, 5:832–34). For Clinton’s response, see his letter to GW, 17 June.