From George Washington to Brigadier General James Mitchell Varnum, 16 November 1777
To Brigadier General James Mitchell Varnum
Head Quarters [Whitemarsh, Pa.] 16th Novemr 1777
Sir
I imagine from yours of last Evening by Major Ballard that the Fort was totally evacuated last night.1 As Major Fleury is wounded, you may probably want an Engineer below. I have therefore sent Monsr L’Aumois the Bearer of this. He is recommended as a Gentleman of Abilities in his profession.2 I am Dear Sir Yr most obt Servt
Go: Washington
P.S. It is not intended that Monsr L’Aumois should interfere with Capt. Duplessis in the defence of Fort Mercer except by Advice.
LS, in Tench Tilghman’s writing, RHi.
2. On 16 Nov. GW’s aide-de-camp John Laurens wrote Varnum: “By his Excellencys order I inform you in addition to the Letter he sends you of this date—that Mr [Jean-Baptiste-Joseph] L’Aumois the Engineer has the Rank of Lt Colonel, which is to be attended to in case of his being employed at Fort Mifflin, that he may not be commanded there by a younger Officer—I hope that he will not arrive too late” (MH: Dearborn Collection).