George Washington Papers
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From George Washington to Major General Stirling, 12 August 1779

To Major General Stirling

Hd Qrs Wt Pt August 12th 1779

My Lord

I have had in contemplation an attempt to surprise the enemys post at Powlus Hook and have employed Major Lee to make the necessary previous inquiries. He will inform you of what has passed between us—The number first proposed for the enterprise was 600, but these appeared to me too many to hazard for an object of inferior importance.1 But by the inclosed letter of the 11th Major Lee proposes to reduce the number to 400, three hundred of which to be employed in the attack.2 As the success must depend on surprise these appear to me sufficient to effect the purpose and as many as ought to be hazarded in the attempt. If it should be made at all the troops must be principally furnished from your division and I therefore request your lordship will consult Major Lee fully and if upon the whole you deem the undertaking eligible you have my consent to carry it into execution; but this is on two conditions, that no more than the number of men abovementioned be employed, and that a retreat by Secocus Island be made practicable.3

Your Lordship may take any additional measures with your division which may be thought adviseable and safe to give security to the party. But I need not add that the greatest caution will be necessary not to give a suspicion of our design and to keep it a matter of profound secrecy. The least alarm would probably occasion disappointment & ruin the party.4 I am with the greatest regard Yr Lordship’s Obedient servt.

Df, in Alexander Hamilton’s writing, DLC:GW; Varick transcript, DLC:GW.

2Maj. Henry Lee’s letter of 11 Aug. has not been found.

3The area known as Secaucus Island in Bergen County (now Hudson County), N.J., approximately four miles northwest of Paulus Hook, N.J., was at this time a body of land approximately four miles long by a mile wide that rose above a swampy area formed by a bend in the Hackensack River about midway between Hackensack and Bergen, New Jersey.

4Lee, supported by troops from Stirling’s division, carried out the surprise assault on Paulus Hook on 19 Aug. (see GW to Stirling, 21 Aug., and Lee to GW, 22 Aug.).

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