From George Washington to Major General Israel Putnam, 30 September 1778
To Major General Israel Putnam
Head Quarters Fredericksburg 30th Septr 1778
Dear Sir.
The enemys designs still continue ambiguous, however it is our policy to provide against possible events—You will therefore detach a field officer with about one hundred men to guard the pass leading from Haverstraw to Fort Montgomery, I mean the pass by which the enemy marched to the reduction of that post.1 You will take every other necessary precaution or place such advanced parties as may appear to give you the most perfect security. If you have any communications to make I shall be at Fish-kill Town.2 I am &c.
G.W.
P.[S.] I think among other things it will be adviseable to keep a good look out on the river by sending down a few guard boats under the direction of some vigilant officer.
Df, in James McHenry’s writing, DLC:GW; Varick transcript, DLC:GW.
1. GW is referring to the pass over Dunderberg Mountain, across which British troops marched in October 1777 to attack Forts Montgomery and Clinton.
2. GW was at Fishkill from this date to 8 Oct., when he returned to John Kane’s house near Fredericksburg (see GW to Horatio Gates, this date, and note 5 to that document).