To George Washington from Brigadier General Alexander McDougall, 30 April 1777
From Brigadier General Alexander McDougall
Peeks Kill [N.Y.] 30th April 1777
Sir
I wrote you yesterday by the express rider, and Sent you inclosures of all the intelligence I was poss[ess]ed of relative to the Enemies expedition to Danburry. The inclosd was one of those dispatches which induced me to move to Bedford but was mislaid when I wrote you last.1 Captain Suel’s detachment of Artillery is Just at Hand;2 but to my great mortification find the most of them have not had the small Pox: And by a late favor of yours I am interdicted Sending any to Head Quarters, who have not had that disorder.3 I have therefore ordered Captain Suel to repair immediatly to the Forts, and exchange as many of the Train there, who have not had the small Pox,4 for like Number of his; till they are innoculated. In the mean time it will take, three or four days, before his can be fit to take the disorder, which will give an opportunity to receive your further direction on this Subject. I congratulate you on the important advice brought by the Bearrer. I have the Honor to be Your Excellency very Hble Servant
Alexr McDougall
ALS, DLC:GW.
1. McDougall enclosed the letter that Col. John Field of the Dutchess County, N.Y., militia had written him at 3 P.M. on 27 April, informing him “that the Enemy has taken their Rout towards Richfield [Ridgefield, Conn.]. they meet with little Oposition what in gods Name has become of the Cornecticut Militia—I hope they will harris their march before they get to their Shiping we have but few men here, but are following. Expect Soon to be up with them but if their is Not more Cornecticut forces then we here of am fearfull that we Shall not be Able to make much Oposition” (DLC:GW).
2. McDougall is referring to Capt. Samuel Seward’s artillery detachment (see GW to McDougall, 25 April, 3 May).
3. See GW to McDougall, 15 Mar., 18 April.
4. McDougall apparently meant to say: “who have had the small Pox.”