From George Washington to Major General Israel Putnam, 16 August 1777

To Major General Israel Putnam

Head Quarters Bucks County [Pa.]
16th Augt 1777

Dear Sir

I have your favr of the 14th instant.1 Just before it came to hand I had recd the intelligence which it contained from Genl Clinton.2 The people in the Northern Army seem so intimidated by the Indians that I have determined to send up Colo. Morgans Corps of Rifle Men who will fight them in their own way. They march from Trenton tomorrow Morning and will reach peekskill with all expedition. You will please to have Sloops ready to carry them and provision laid in that they may not wait a moment. The Corps consists of Five hundred Men. Be pleased to let me have an exact return of your numbers both Continental and Provincial that I may form a judgment of the propriety of Detaching any more force to the Northward. Remark to what time your Provincials are engaged. I am Dr sir your most Obet Servt

G. Washington

P.S. 500 is the true strength of Morgan’s Corps, but it will answer a good Purpose if you give out they are double that number.

Df, in Tench Tilghman’s writing, DLC:GW; Varick transcript, DLC:GW.

1. See Putnam’s second letter to GW of that date.

2. See George Clinton to GW, 13 August.

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Source Project: Washington Papers
Title: From George Washington to Major General Israel Putnam, 16 August 1777
Author: Washington, George
Recipient: Putnam, Israel
Date: 16 August 1777

Reference

Cite as: “From George Washington to Major General Israel Putnam, 16 August 1777,” Founders Online, National Archives, https://founders.archives.gov/documents/Washington/03-10-02-0626. [Original source: The Papers of George Washington, Revolutionary War Series, vol. 10, 11 June 1777 – 18 August 1777, ed. Frank E. Grizzard, Jr. Charlottesville: University Press of Virginia, 2000, p. 642.]

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