George Washington Papers

From George Washington to Brigadier General John Glover, 17 July 1779

To Brigadier General John Glover

Stoney Point [N.Y.] July 17th 1779

Sir

I have received your favour of the 15th. In my letter of yesterday to General Heath I directed him to send you orders, immediately to join him with your brigade, which I presume you have received.1 He will probably have informed you that General Wayne had surprised & taken the post where we now are with the Garrison cannon and stores, with but inconsiderable loss on our side.2 I am Sir Yr most Obed. huml. s.

G.W.

Df, in Alexander Hamilton’s writing, DLC:GW. The version of this letter sent to Glover, which has not been found, was enclosed in GW’s letter to Maj. Gen. William Heath of this date. Glover received the letter on the evening of 20 July (see Glover to GW, 21 July).

1See the two letters from GW to Heath of 16 July, and Heath to Glover, this date, in n.1 of Heath to GW, this date. Glover and his brigade were to join Heath’s command at Peekskill, N.Y., but for a new order directing Glover’s brigade to Ridgefield, Conn., see GW to Heath, 19 July, and n.1 to that document.

2Brig. Gen. Anthony Wayne’s light infantry attacked Stony Point, N.Y., on the night of 15–16 July. For an overview of preparations for this American success, and its aftermath, see GW to Wayne, 1 July, n.2; see also Wayne to GW, 17 July, and GW to John Jay, 21 July. Glover was upset that Heath had not apprised him of this victory (see Glover to GW, 21 July, and n.2 to that document).

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