From George Washington to Major General John Sullivan, 6 November 1779
To Major General John Sullivan
Head Quarters West-point 6th Novr 1779.
Dr Sir
I have received your favor of the 4th with its inclosure from Governor Livingston dated the 2d, relative to the enemy’s preparations on Staten Island.
Should your subsequent information look like a serious intention of invading the State, it may be proper to move to Pompton, and hold yourself in readiness to act agreeable to circumstances. The large collections of forage have no doubt attracted their notice, and its destruction may be a principal object with the enemy.1
I shall give directions to General Wayne to move towards Acquakanac; who will unite his force upon your information should it become necessary.2 I am Dr Sir Your obt & hble servt
Go: Washington
P.S. Should you receive any intelligence which you may think proper to transmit, let your Express come by the Virginia encampment and by Clements as I expect to ride down that way tomorrow. you will forward the inclosed.3
LS, in James McHenry’s writing, NhHi: Sullivan Papers; Df, DLC:GW; Varick transcript, DLC:GW. The draft and Varick transcript are both dated 5 November.
1. For the concentration of forage near Newark, N.J., see GW to William Maxwell, 1 Nov., and n.7.
3. The enclosure or enclosures have not been identified, but possibilities include GW’s letter to Samuel Huntington and the recipient’s copy of GW’s letter to Gouverneur Morris, both this date.