George Washington to Thomas Lowrey, 23 June 1781
To Thomas Lowrey
Head Quarters New Windsor 23d June 1781.
Sir
I had yesterday the pleasure of receiving your favr of the 16th.1 In forwarding the Flour which you have purchased by order of Mr Morris you will be pleased to consult the convenience of transportation to the North River,2 for when we have once got it to the Water, it is of little consequence whether it be above or below the Highlands—I think the best
Map 11. Provisions would be carried overland to either Newburgh or New Windsor north of The Highlands or to King’s Ferry to the south for conveyance on the Hudson. (Illustrated by Rick Britton. Copyright Rick Britton 2022)
general Rule will be to send all from the south side of the Mountain3 to Kings ferry and all from the North to Newburg or New Windsor.
I do not know what may be the extent of your Commission, but I judge from some expressions in your letter that it exceeds one thousand Barrels;4 and as you desire me to inform you whether we shall probably want more at present than that quantity, I must assure you, that I see little dependance upon any other kind of supply—You will therefore be pleased to forward as much as you possibly can consistent with your orders.
Be kind enough to make my Compliments to Mrs Lowrey to whose Civilities both Mrs Washington and myself are much indebted.5 I am Sir Yr most obt Servt.
Df, in Tench Tilghman’s writing, DLC:GW; Varick transcript, DLC:GW. The draft gives Lowrey’s address as Flemington, New Jersey.
1. Lowrey’s letter to GW dated 16 June has not been found.
2. For Lowrey’s flour transactions, see Robert Morris to GW, 21 June.
3. GW refers to the Ramapo Mountains.
5. Esther Fleming Lowrey (1739–1814) supported the war effort through charitable activities. When GW passed through Trenton in April 1789 en route to New York City for his presidential inauguration, she superintended welcoming ceremonies.