From George Washington to Major General Alexander McDougall, 27 March 1778
To Major General Alexander McDougall
Head Quarters Valley Forge 27th March 1778
Dear Sir
I opened the inclosed to take out the letter for the commanding Officer at Albany,1 having an opportunity of sending it immediately there by Colo. Armand.
I forgot to desire you to give orders to the drivers of all Cattle and to the conductors of all cloathing and Stores coming from the Eastward to cross the Delaware at Easton and not come down as low as Sherrards or Correyels ferry as usual.2 When at Easton to send an express to Camp that they may have their Rout pointed out and a party sent to escort them; if it should be necessary. If there should be no opportunity direct to Boston when you receive this, be pleased to send Genl Heaths letter by Express.3 I am Dear Sir Yr most obt Servt
Go: Washington
LS, in Tench Tilghman’s writing, owned (1997) by Mr. Joseph Rubinfine, West Palm Beach, Fla.; Df, DLC:GW; Varick transcript, DLC:GW. The cover of the LS, which GW signed, is addressed “To Major General McDougall or Commanding Officer at Fishkill.” The LS was docketed by McDougall, “received 1st April 1778.”
1. See GW to McDougall, 25 Mar., and note 2 to that document.
2. GW also asked Assistant Commissary General John Chaloner to issue a similar directive (see Chaloner to Azariah Dunham, 2 April, Ephraim Blaine Papers, DLC: Peter Force Collection).
3. GW probably is referring to his letter to William Heath of 25 March.