From George Washington to Major Henry Lee, Jr., 12 August 1779
To Major Henry Lee, Jr.
Head Quarters West-point 12th Augt 1779.
Dr Sir
You will see by the inclosed letter to Lord Stirling,1 which you will be pleased to deliver him, the footing upon which the affair is placed. If upon confering with him, the enterprise is judged elegible, it will be carried into execution.2 I am Dr Sir Your most hble servt.
Df, in James McHenry’s writing, DLC:GW; Varick transcript, DLC:GW.
2. GW is referring to Lee’s proposed surprise attack on the British fort at Paulus Hook, N.J., which Lee carried out on 19 Aug. (see GW to Stirling, 21 Aug., and Lee to GW, 22 Aug.).