From George Washington to Major General Israel Putnam, 27 September 1778
To Major General Israel Putnam
Head Quarters Fredericksburg 27th Sepr 1778
Dear Sir
Be pleased to send Genl Woodfords Brigade to the West side of the River with orders to fall down towards Clarks town, for the purpose of hindering the Enemy from advancing parties from their main body about Hackensack Bridge, to carry off the Stock which has been drove out of the Necks.1 I have directed Baron Kalb to send a Brigade from his Division to Fishkill, who will be ready to come to your assistance should the enemy advance forward upon this side of the River2—Genl Woodford had better not take Artillery or Carriages3 of any kind with him, because if the Enemy advance in force upon him he will have to retreat thro’ the passes that lead to the Fort at West point. You will take proper measures for supplying this detachment with provisions. I am &ca.
Df, in Tench Tilghman’s writing, DLC:GW; Varick transcript, DLC:GW.
1. Clarkstown, N.Y., is about twenty miles (a day’s march) north of Hackensack, N.J., and about twenty miles south of West Point.
3. At this place on the draft manuscript, Tilghman first wrote “Baggage.” He then struck out that word and wrote “Carriages” above the line.