1From George Washington to John Pray, 28 June 1781 (Washington Papers)
Yours of this day has been received. You will be pleased to send me immediately a State of the Detachment under your Comman d specifying particularly the num ber of Officers & Men in the Garrison & on the Water Guard. I am Sir Your Most Obed. Servt NjP : DeCoppet Collection.
2From George Washington to John Pray, 1 July 1781 (Washington Papers)
You will be pleased to put a Sub. or Sergt with two Boats properly manned under the Command of Capt. Lawrence, I am Sir &c. DLC : Papers of George Washington.
3From David Humphreys to John Pray, 7 July 1781 (Washington Papers)
The Commander in Cheif, directs that the three new Whale Boats built at Wappings Creek under the Superintendance of Mr Sheaf, should be made use of as Guard Boats—Captain Pray will apply to Major General McDougal for the same, or if Genl McDougal has sent them to the Orders of Major Darby—Majr Darby will be pleased to deliver these three Boats to Capt. Pray, on his Order—Should they already be...
4From George Washington to John Pray, 14 July 1781 (Washington Papers)
You are to have the Water guard supplied with three days provisions, & make preparations instantly to go down the River with all your Light Guard Boats this Evening. You will take effectual care to proceed below in such a manner as to discover with certainty whether the Enemy have any Guard or other Boats, on the water advanced at any distance from their Shipping. I mention in my confidence to...
5From George Washington to John Pray, 21 July 1781 (Washington Papers)
The same Movement which was mentioned in my Letter of the 14th will be made this Evening—you will observe the same line of Conduct as pointed out in that Letter; using particular vigilance to discover every motion of the Enemy, especially to morrow night—I shall absolutely depend upon it, that the Enemy cannot move a single Vessel or Boat up the River or have any thing in agitation, without...
6From George Washington to John Pray, 10 May 1782 (Washington Papers)
I have received your favor of Yesterday, accompanying Dispatches from Sir Guy Carleton—and a Note from Majr Scott. I cannot omit to express to you the pleasure I have experienced from the propriety of your Conduct in stopping the Officer bearing the Flag, at your post, & your forwardg the Dispatches by an Officer of our own—I beg you to accept my sincere thanks on this Occasion. The inclosed...
7From Jonathan Trumbull, Jr. to John Pray, 11 June 1782 (Washington Papers)
His Excellency the Commander in Chief request the inclosed Letter directed to Sir Guy Carleton, may be delivered at the enemys Post—as soon as opportunity will permit. Your most Obedt Servt DLC : Papers of George Washington.
8From George Washington to John Pray, 5 July 1782 (Washington Papers)
I have learnt by accident, that there may probably arise some difficulty in the command at Dobbs Ferry, unless an early measure is taken to prevent it. You cannot be ignorant, Sir, that when two Officers come in contact in the course of service, the senior must always command. And you will please to understand that your being entrusted with the immediate command of the Water Guard, (with...
9From David Cobb to John Pray, 14 August 1782 (Washington Papers)
It is of great importance at this Crisis, to have the best possible information of the state of the Enemy’s affairs at N. York. His Excellency the Commander in Chief has commanded us therefore, to inform you, it is his wish that you will use your utmost endeavours to obtain such information, and that you will devote all the time & attention you can spare from your other Duties, to this very...
10From David Humphreys to John Pray, 4 September 1782 (Washington Papers)
The Commander in Chief commands me particularly at this time to repeat to you the directions formerly given that the utmost precaution & vigilance should be used to prevent surprize, & to announce instantaneously to him any sudden Movement of the Enemy. for this purpose you will give the most pointed Orders to the person commanding your guard Boats on duty, & will inform Col. Olney or the...