George Washington Papers
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https://founders.archives.gov/documents/Washington/03-22-02-0224

From George Washington to Lieutenant Colonel John Taylor, 28 August 1779

To Lieutenant Colonel John Taylor

Head Quarters West point 28th Augt 1779.

Sir

The period is now come (in the arrival of the enemy’s reinforcement1) when intelligence is interesting and important. The first point to be ascertained, as nearly as possible, is the amount of the reinforcement, and whether it consists of complete Corps or of Recruits. If of the former, what the particular Regiments are? The next matter, which I would wish you to endeavour to become acquainted with, is whether the enemy in consequence of the reinforcement seem preparing for a move, and if they are, whether the preparations indicate it to be by land or by Water, and to what point. These are the principal matters to which I would have you attend—your own Judgment will direct to any others which you may deem necessary. I am &c.

Df, in Tench Tilghman’s writing, DLC:GW; Varick transcript, DLC:GW.

On 30 Aug., Taylor sent GW a letter advising him of the arrival of the British army reinforcements—information which GW had already received from other sources (see GW to John Jay, 31 Aug.–1 Sept., n.7). Six days later, Taylor sent GW additional intelligence on the reinforcements, including the important information that many of them were sick (see Taylor to GW, 5 Sept.).

1GW is referring to the British army reinforcements that had arrived at New York on 25 Aug. (see GW to Jay, 24–27 Aug., and n.8 to that document); for GW’s defensive preparations, see GW to Jay, 11 Aug., n.5.

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