George Washington to Colonel Alexander Scammell, 28 May 1781
To Colonel Alexander Scammell
Head Quarters New Windsor 28th May 1781.
Dear Sir
I have recd your favors of the 24th and 26th instants.1 I am sorry that Capt. Ward did not give you an opportunity of meeting him. As the enemy seem to have removed themselves from the West side of the River, your remaining down where you now are will answer no purpose, you will therefore cross at Kings ferry and take post at any convenient spot between Peekskill and Crom pond.
If you can see Capt. Lawrence before you move be pleased to present him my thanks for the services he has rendered you and desire him if he meets W——2 not to make him any promises of pardon or any thing else except he will engage to render some essential peice of service or to bring off a Body of his Men. He himself is of no manner of consequence, and I had rather he would remain with the Enemy than come off alone.
I do not know that there is a want of Officers in the Corps of sappers, but should there be, it can only be in the Rank of subalterns, in which I do not imagine Capt. Lawrence would serve.3
When you have got to your new Ground you will let me hear from you.4 I am Dear Sir Yr most obt Servt.
Df, in Tench Tilghman’s writing, DLC:GW; Varick transcript, DLC:GW.
1. See Scammell to GW, 24 and 26 May.
2. GW refers to Capt. Thomas Ward (see Jonathan Lawrence, Jr., to GW, 16 May, and n.3 to that document).
3. Lawrence received a commission in the corps of sappers and miners (see General Orders, 19 June).
4. Scammell wrote GW on 8 June, but that letter has not been found (see GW to Scammell, 12 June).