From George Washington to Major General Israel Putnam, 25 September 1778
To Major General Israel Putnam
Hd Qrs Fredericksburg Sept. 25th 1778
Dr Sir
Your favor of Yesterdays date came to hand this moment A very little time must discover the designs of the Enemy, yet I can not conceive that they have any thing farther in view than to Forage and collect cattle, I would however have you to be in the most perfect readiness to oppose them where you are, or to move should it be necessary and you receive orders1 for that purpose. I am &c.
G. W——n
Df, in Richard Kidder Meade’s writing, DLC:GW; Varick transcript, DLC:GW. Although Meade wrote the word “Copy” in the lower-left corner of the draft manuscript, it includes draft changes (see note 1).
1. On the draft manuscript, Meade first wrote and then struck out the word “such” before the word “orders” and the words “from me” after “orders.”