To George Washington from Robert Howe, 20 June 1781
West Point 20th June 1781
Dear Sir
I have just received the inclos’d Letters. I think the measures taken by Colo. Scammel are all that are requisite upon this information. I have acquainted him that General Persons will be Tommorrow in advance—and that if the movements are real and of so serious a nature to make further support necessary, that he will ask it of General Persons. not however omitting to Transmit me the Earliest information of both his, General Waterbury’s, and the Enemy’s motions. Of the latter I have requested him to obtain the Earliest notice both by his own and General Waterbury’s Agents—If your Excellency thinks any other measures necessary please to inform me. I am Dear Sir with the Greatest Respect Your Excellency’s most Obt Servt
Robert Howe
DLC: Papers of George Washington.
Enclosure
Fairfield 18th June 1781
Sir
I came off the Island last Night and would by all means beg of you to lookout as there is an Expedition forming at Kingsbridge against you I believe you May depend on it as I had it from such persons as I think I can depend on I expect it will be within three or four days—Genl Arnold Arrived at N. York with about 180 Men the British Officers would Not be Commanded by him Colonel Ludlow will leave Lloyds Neck to day with all the British Troops and inlisted Men. I am Sir with the Greatest respect your Most Obedt Humble Servant
Caleb Brewster
Enclosure
Stamford 19th June 1781
Sir
I send you enclosed a Copy of a Letter from Capt. Brewster to me by which it appears that the Enemy intend an Attack on my post in a few days and would be glad you would take such measures in Consequence of it as you shall think proper—and should you think proper would have you transmit it to Head Quarters as soon as possible. I am Sir your most Obt & Humle Servt
David Waterbury
Enclosure
June 20th 1781
Sr
Enclosed I send you a Copy of a Letter from Genl Waterbury, and another from Capt. Brewster—As the period of the Enterprize according to Report must be about this time, I shall therefore move the Detachment this Evening to the Heights this Side Pines Bridge about three Quarters of a Mile from the Bridge. I shall direct Major Porter to cross the Bridge and move on—Towards Bedford with two Companies (leaving a Company at pines & another at new Bridge,) and remain this Night opposite the Ford which is three miles above pines Bridge towards Bedford—I propose to remain in that position till I receive further directions from you—Unless I receive Intelligence that the enemy have actually marched to attack Genl Waterbury—In that Case I presume it would be your wish that I should proceed as soon as possible to the point of Action—I hope my movement may meet with your Approbation. And am most respectfully Yr Obedt Humble Servt
Alexd. Scammell Colo.
June 20th 81. P. S. With your permission I will order Capt. Fogg to be relieved, And post him to the lines East of pines Bridge to support the Bedford militia who place the utmost confidence in him, and will universally turn out & put themselves under his Command, in case he is there—The enemy are very inveterate against the militia of that place—They are good men many of them—And merit support. Besides Capt. Foggs perfect Knowledge of that part of the Country, points him out to be the [properest] Officer to be send there on any immergency. Yrs &c.
A. Scammell