George Washington Papers

From George Washington to Major General Nathanael Greene, 15 December 1779

To Major General Nathanael Greene

Morris Town Decr 15th 1779

Sir

I have directed General DuPortail to meet you tomorrow morning that you may in conjunction with him examine all the grounds in the environs and make a written report to me without delay of the different spots which appear most proper to be occupied in case of any movement of the enemy towards us, pointing out the comparitive advantages and disadvantages of each.

You will consider the several positions as relative to an army of ten thousand men in two lines, Three divisions in the 1st and two divisions in the second—This I propose for the order of battle as far as the nature of the ground will permit.1 I am Sir your most Obed. ser.

Be pleased to send the inclosed immediately to General DuPortail2 and propose an hour of meeting.

Df, in Alexander Hamilton’s writing, DLC:GW; Varick transcript, DLC:GW.

1For the requested report and an accompanying map, which identified high grounds crucial for defensive operations and places requiring fortifications, see Greene and Duportail to GW, 16 Jan. 1780 (DLC:GW).

2A draft of the enclosed letter from GW to Brigadier General Duportail, written at Morristown on this date, reads: “You will be pleased to meet the Qr Master General tomorrow morning and in conjunction with him examine all the grounds in the environs of our present encampment and make a written report to me without delay, of the different spots which appear most proper to be occupied in case of any movement of the enemy towards us; pointing out the comparitive advantages and disadvantages of each.

“You will at the same time yourself critically examine our present position and report your opinion how far it may be susceptible of defence and what works will be necessary for the purpose.

“The positions in the first case are to be considered relative to an army of ten thousand men; and the order of battle proposed as far as circumstances and the nature of the ground will permit is in two lines—the first of three divisions and the last of two divisions; but as the number will be diminished some time hence, by the expiration of the term of service for which a part of the men are engaged, you will pay attention to this in the consideration of the position we now occupy and the works proper for its defence” (Df, in Alexander Hamilton’s writing, DLC:GW; Varick transcript, DLC:GW).

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