To George Washington from Major John Mauritius Goetschius, 24 October 1780
From Major John Mauritius Goetschius
Hakensack [N.J.] Oct. 24. 1780
Your Excellencies letter I have received Concerning Dadly.1 the Infamous raskle last night made his Escape together with him the serjant of the Gaurd said Dadly was ordered by the civill Magistrates to my Care untill Court which was to be opened this day he was Guilty of several robberies Committed on the Inhabitants of this County.2 I am very sorry of his Escape. the serjant was a stranger to me & at other Counties had allways behaved well. I suppose they are both gone to the Ennimie I have parties out Perhaps they will take them yet.
Nothing more at present on that head. I further Inform your Excellencie that I have account from New york that there is a Manouvre of the Ennimie up the north river. the Ennimie was Embarked. and was to sail yesterday up the north river I just now have an account that they are sailed yesterday but the Latter I Cannot Confirm becaus the Informer is no trusty messanger.3 the truth of it I will soon Know. I am in all respets your Excellencies Most obidient subjuct with submission and Obedience of all your Excellencie⟨s⟩ orders
J. M. Goetschius Major state Ridgmt
ALS, DLC:GW.
1. GW had written Goetschius from headquarters at Preakness on 23 Oct.: “I am informed that you have one Dudley under your Guard. I should be glad that you would send him up to me and let me know what particular charges you have against him. He shall be returned after I have questioned him on some matters” (Df, in Tench Tilghman’s writing, DLC:GW; Varick transcript, DLC:GW).
2. Goetschius refers to Bergen County.