From George Washington to George Clinton, 10 October 1779
To George Clinton
Head Quarters West point 10th October 1779.
Dear Sir
I have with great pleasure received your Excellency’s favr of the 7th: Your plan of ordering the Militia to bring out 40 days flour of their own will be a great releif to the Commy General who is only under apprehensions on account of that Article. Of Meat, he gives me assurances of any quantity that may be required.1 The Quarter Master General is making every preparation for Camp equipage. We shall probably be deficient in Tents, tho’ if I succeed in an application to the State of Massachusetts for 1500, I hope we shall have nearly sufficient.2 I beleive there will be no want of Camp Kettles.
I have not heard any thing further from the southward or of Count D’Estaing since I wrote to you last, but I expect every moment some material intelligence.3
The inclosed papers were sent out a few days ago by a flag. As they contain regulations for the future admission of persons wanting to go into the City of New York, I thought it proper to transmit them to your Excellency.4 I am with the most perfect Esteem and Regard Your Excellency’s Most obt Servt
Go: Washington
LS, in Tench Tilghman’s writing, British Museum Add. MS 40690; Df, DLC:GW; Varick transcript, DLC:GW.
2. For GW’s application to the Massachusetts council for a supply of tents, see GW to Jeremiah Powell, 7 October. The council informed GW they had no tents to lend the Continent (see Massachusetts Council to GW, 16 Oct.).
3. GW was preparing for joint operations with the fleet of Vice Admiral d’Estaing (see Planning for an Allied Attack on New York, c.3–7 Oct.).
4. The enclosed papers have not been identified, but see GW to Robert Howe, 9 October.