From George Washington to Colonel William Malcom, 23 August 1780
To Colonel William Malcom
[Orangetown, N.Y., 23 Aug. 1780]
Sir
When you arrive at Dobbe’s ferry agreeable to the orders sent you yesterday1 your attention is to be directed to the security of the works & cannon at that place and of the sick & stores left at this place. For these purposes you will make the best disposition in your power and use every precaution for gaining the earliest intelligence of a movement against you—& you will furnish what ever little guards may be necessary in proportion to your strength. You will assist Col. Gouvion with the fatigue parties he may want.
There will be a part of the Park on the Road to Paramus from this place about five miles off, of which you will inform yourself—and in case of any motions of the Enemy, you will give notice to the Officer commanding the guard to remove it towards Paramus.
You will give me instant advice of any movement of the Enemy—my Quarters will be near the liberty Pole.
For your own security it will be necessary you should keep a party of observation at Niac & a guard at the Slot. Given at Hd Qrs Orange Town 23d August 1780.
Df, in Richard Kidder Meade’s writing, DLC:GW; Varick transcript, DLC:GW.
Malcom wrote GW on 24 Aug. from “Rockland—½ a mile from Dobbs ferry,” N.Y.: “I reached this place last evening—the men much fatigued—great difficulty in procuring provisions—I Know not where the magazines are established.
“I shall attend to the several objects of your Excellencys orders. which I recd by Capt. Lawrence.” A postscript reads: “I take it for granted that Capt. Lawrence’s Compy is now to join the Regiment” (L, DLC:GW; the postscript is in Malcom’s writing).
1. For these orders, see GW to Malcom, 21 Aug., n.2.