From Alexander Hamilton to Colonel Clement Biddle, [17 June 1777]
To Colonel Clement Biddle1
[Middlebrook, New Jersey, June 17, 1777]
The whole army immediately to strike their tents, pack them up, and get themselves in every respect ready for an instant march. The Quarter Master General2 to have every thing in his department ready.
A Hamilton A D C
Middle Brook June 17th. 1777
Colonel Biddle will communicate the above order, to the Commissary3 & Pay Master General4 & Judge advocate.5
A Hamilton A D C
ALS, MS Division, New York Public Library.
1. Although George Washington anticipated a British attack on his headquarters at Middlebrook on June 17 (, VIII, 262–63), no attack occurred. The British troops did not leave their camps at Middlebush and Somerset, New Jersey, until June 19, when they retreated toward New Brunswick.
2. Major General Thomas Mifflin.
3. Joseph Trumbull, commissary general of stores and provisions.
4. Lieutenant Colonel William Palfrey.
5. John Laurance.