From George Washington to Colonel Henry Jackson, 18 June 1778
To Colonel Henry Jackson
Head Quarters Valley Forge 18 June 1778.
sir.
Intelligence has been recd this morning that the enemy are evacuating Philadelphia. You will hold yourself in readiness to march into the City upon the first order.1 I am Sir your very hble servt
Go: Washington
LS, in James McHenry’s writing, PWacD: Sol Feinstone Collection, on deposit PPAmP.
1. Tench Tilghman wrote Jackson on this date: “Having recd intelligence that the Enemy have evacuated Philadelphia. His Excellency desires you to move immediately down towards the City with your detatchment. Upon your approach send some Officers forward to reconnoitre and see that all is clear. His Excellency would not have your detatchment enter the City tonight, but halt at a place called the Vine yard (where the Enemy had their most advanced Works) about two Miles from town. An Officer or two with small parties should be kept along the Water side to observe the Motions of the Enemy at Coopers point on the Jersey shore. Genl Arnold will go down tomorrow, and you are to take your future orders from him” (PHi: Gratz Collection).