George Washington to Brigadier General James Clinton, 5 June 1781
To Brigadier General James Clinton
Head Quarters New Windsor June 5. 1781
Dear Sir
In my Letter of the 28 Ulto I informed you of the succours you might expect, if1 necessary.2 The six Companies of Van Schaicks Regt have since sailed3—Hazens will follow tomorrow.4 I have now to communicate my sentiments in general respecting the disposition, and application of this force.
It is clearly my opinion, that the reinforcements lately ordered to the Northward should be kept together, as much as circumstances will admit, or at least so near as to be speedily assembled upon an emergency5—As it is not certain, or probable they will be continued permanently in that quarter; and as they are designed while there, to strike the Enemy, should they be so presumptuous as to attempt to penetrate into the Country.6 It also appears to me that the force—on the Hudson & Mowhawk Rivers, ought not to be so widely scattered as formerly, but stationed in as compact a manner as may be, except such Light Parties, as occasion may require to be kept out—By distributing the Troops, with a view, of protecting every inch of ground, the efficient force is dissipated and lost, and the several Posts are so weakened as to invite the Enemy to enterprize. I wish you therefore to concentre your strength as much as possible at the Points you may judge most expedient; to form a plan of defence for the frontier; and to transmit to me the result of your determination.7 I am Dear Sir With very great regard & esteem Your Most Obedt Servant
Go: Washington
LS, in David Humphreys’s writing, NNPM; Df, DLC:GW; Varick transcript, DLC:GW.
GW wrote Lt. Col. Edward Antill from headquarters at New Windsor on 6 June: “You will proceed immediately with Col. Hazen’s Regt to Albany, and put yourself under the Orders of Brigadr Genl Clinton. … P.S. Be pleased to deliver to Genl Clinton, the Letter forwarded herewith” (Df, in Humphreys’s writing, DLC:GW; Varick transcript, DLC:GW; GW’s aide-de-camp Tench Tilghman docketed the draft: “to Colo. Antill or Commanding Officer of Hazens Rgt”). GW’s aide-de-camp David Humphreys also wrote John Fisher, assistant deputy quartermaster at Fishkill Landing, N.Y., on this date: “His Excellency requests you will have the Letters sent herewith, delivered to the Commanding Officer of Colo. Hazen’s Regt before his departure for Albany” (in private hands).
1. Humphreys also penned the draft, where he wrote and struck out “absolutely” after this word.
2. See GW to Clinton, 28 May.
3. See General Orders, 1 June, and n.1 to that document.
4. See General Orders, this date.
5. Humphreys spelled this word correctly on the draft but wrote “emergencency” on the LS.
6. For British threats, see Clinton to GW, 30 May.
7. Clinton replied to GW in a letter dated 15–18 June.