From George Washington to Lieutenant Colonel Ebenezer Gray, 27 October 1778
To Lieutenant Colonel Ebenezer Gray
Head Quarters Fredericksburgh 27th Octbr 1778.
Sir.
Last nigh[t] I received from General Gates one of your letters to him containing such intelligence as you had collected respecting the enemy and their motions1—While I wish you to keep up your communication with the Genl2 I am to desire you to transmit me in the first instance every information which you may receive [in]3 the most expeditious conveyance. If Gen. Scotts station is the nearest route to Head Qrs he will take charge of your letters and have them immediately sent me. I need not request you to pay every attention to the business you are on or to use every practicable means to obtain faithful and authentic reports. I am Sir &c.
Df, in James McHenry’s writing, DLC:GW; Varick transcript, DLC:GW. Although Gray’s promotion to lieutenant colonel of the 6th Connecticut Regiment was dated 15 Oct. 1778, McHenry addressed the draft of this letter to “Major Gray,” and both GW and Horatio Gates continued for some weeks to refer to Gray by that rank. This letter was enclosed in GW’s letter to Charles Scott of this date.
1. See Ebenezer Gray to Gates, 24 Oct., in Gates to GW, 25 Oct. (second letter), n.2.
2. At this place on the draft manuscript, McHenry first wrote and then struck out the following phrase: “Gates upon such things as respect his command.”
3. This word appears on the Varick transcript. At this place on the draft manuscript, McHenry first wrote and then struck out the following phrase: “from observation or the accounts of your spies.”