George Washington Papers

George Washington to Jeremiah Wadsworth, 30 April 1781

To Jeremiah Wadsworth

Head Quarters New Windsor [30 April 1781]

Dear Sir

I have been favored with Your Letters of the 19th and 20th Instant.1

General Beville having made the tour from Rhode Island to Camp, and back again on different routes; and having taken every precaution, to obtain an accurate knowledge of the Country and Roads, will be able to advise and settle with the Commanding Officer of the french Army, which will be the most convenient route for the March of the Troops, taking every circumstance into consideration.2

On many accounts the march on the Sea Coast would certainly be the most eligible—And indeed I see no considerable obstacle in the way of it, except the ferries. I am Dear Sir With great esteem & regard Your Very Hble Servant

Go: Washington

P.S. I have to request you will forward the enclosed to Major Tallmadge by the first opportunity3—rather by a special messenger as it is of consequence.4

LS, undated, in David Humphreys’s writing, PPAmP: David Library; Df, DLC:GW; Varick transcript, DLC:GW. The date is taken from the draft, which also is in Humphreys’s writing.

1See Wadsworth to GW, 19 and 20 April.

2For the movements of French quartermaster general Béville, see William Heath to GW, 23 April, source note; see also Béville to GW, 2 May.

3See GW to Benjamin Tallmadge, this date.

4GW wrote the previous ten words, which appear only on the LS.

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