To George Washington from Major General Alexander McDougall, 18 July 1779
From Major General Alexander McDougall
West-point 18th July 1779. 9 A.M.
Sir
There is no Horse Harness at New-Windsor or Newburgh; what were at Fish-Kill I fear is sent off with the Quarter-Masters Stores. They are however sent for, but I am informed those for Waggons, will not suit to draw Artillery.1 If the Enemy reinforce Verplanks point, General Howes Cannon will be in great danger of being lost, as they are placed near the Old-Ferry;2 and the Enemy in that Case can take post between the Cannon and pecks Kill.3 I have the honor to be Your Excellencys Humble Servant
Alexr McDougall
P.S. Express’s from Generals Heath & Howe are waiting.
LS, DLC:GW; ADf, NHi: McDougall Papers.
1. See McDougall to GW, 17 July, and n.3 to that document.
2. McDougall apparently is referring to a ferry begun in the late seventeenth century that crossed the Croton River three or four miles east of its outlet into the Hudson River. Pine’s Bridge, built not far to the east about 1770, ended the need for this ferry.
3. For the abandonment of Brig. Gen. Robert Howe’s operations against the British works at Verplanck Point, N.Y., later on this date, see Howe to GW, this date; see also Heath to GW, 19 July (second letter).