From George Washington to Brigadier General Anthony Wayne, 18 June 1778
To Brigadier General Anthony Wayne
[Valley Forge, 18 June 1778]
Sir
You are to proceed with the first and second Pennsilvania and the brigade late Conways1—by the direct route to Coryells Ferry—leaving a proper interval between your division and General Lees, so as to prevent their interfering with each other—the instructions given to General Lee, are to halt on the first strong ground after passing the Delaware at the said ferry—until farther orders—unless he should receive authentic intelligence that the enemy have proceeded by the direct road to South Amboy—(or still lower) in this case, he is to continue his march to the North River.2 Given at Head Quarters this 18th June 1778.
Df, in John Laurens’s writing, DLC:GW; Varick transcript, DLC:GW.
1. Alexander Hamilton wrote to Wayne on this date: “His Excellency desires you will have the division commanded by General Mifflin prepared to march at two OClock—You know it consists of the 1st & 2d Pensylvania, and the Brigade late Conways” (PHi: Wayne Papers).
2. GW wrote on this date to an unnamed person who served as Wayne’s temporary replacement: “General Wayne having very pressing business at Philadelphia, I have consented to his going there tomorrow and returning the next day. You are to join the division commanded by him and take charge of it during his absence. When he returns, you will rejoin your brigade. … The division is about a mile and half on the other side the Bridge. It will march tomorrow morning 4 oClock towards Coryels ferry” (LS, PVFHi).