From George Washington to William Livingston, 22 August 1777
To William Livingston
Head Quarters [Bucks County, Pa., 22] August 17771
Sir
By the inclosed Letters2 you will Observe how necessary it is for me to draw off the Regts now in your State, commanded by Colonls Dayton & Ogden, & consequently for you to Order out some of the Militia to replace them, which I expect you will immediately do should it appear necessary to you—It would appear (for what reason I am totally unable to account) that Maryland is the Object of Genl Howe’s present attention—I shall therefore be under the necessity of Moving the Army that way, though very contrary to my late intention, as that army will be too near us to turn our backs & act on a different Quarter. I am &c.
G.W.
Df, in John Fitzgerald’s writing, DLC:GW; Varick transcript, DLC:GW.
1. Although the draft and the Varick transcript both are dated 21 Aug. 1777 in their datelines, Fitzgerald’s docket on the draft reads: “Copy of Letter to Governor Livingston inclosing Lettrs respecting the Landing at Chesapeck Bay 22d Augt 1777.” The fact that the enclosures include a copy of Hancock’s second letter to GW of 22 Aug. confirms that this letter was written on that date (see note 2).
2. GW sent Livingston copies of Hancock’s second letter to him of 22 Aug. and its enclosed intelligence: William Bordley’s letter to William Paca of 21 August.