George Washington to John Hancock, 25 June 1781
To John Hancock
Head Quarters New Windsor 25th June 1781
Sir
I find I shall be under the necessity of drawing down all the Continental Troops which are at present upon the Northern frontiers, and as there is very great reason to apprehend an incursion of the Enemy from Canada,1 I shall be oblig’d to keep a respectable force of Militia in that quarter, in addition to the State Troops of New York; I have therefore taken the liberty to order the quotas from Berkshire & Hampshire Counties immediately to Albany,2 where they will be dispos’d of agreeable to the directions of Brigadier Genll Stark, who will take the General Command at the Northward.3 The number of Massachusetts Militia destin’d for Northern service will be 600; If therefore the two beforementioned Counties shou’d not furnish so many, I must make up the deficiency from the others.
The Militia which will be furnish’d by New York upon the present occasion will be principally drawn from the lower parts, and from their perfect knowledge of the Country which will be the scene of our Operations will be particularly usefull to me. I have for that reason prefer’d keeping them with the Army, to sending them to the defence of their own Frontiers.4 I have the honor to be, with great respect Your Excellency’s most Obedt Humble Servant
Go: Washington
LS, in David Cobb’s writing, M-Ar; Df, DLC:GW; Varick transcript, DLC:GW. On 2 July, the Massachusetts Senate read and sent the Massachusetts House of Representatives this letter, “address’d to his Excy the Govr wch he recd ⅌ Express & desires may be communicated” (). For Hancock’s response, see his letter to GW, 15 Aug. (DLC:GW).
1. See GW to James Clinton, 10 June; see also Clinton to GW, 30 May.
2. See GW to John Fellows, this date, found at GW to Clinton, this date, n.6.
3. See GW to John Stark, this date.
4. See GW to George Clinton, this date, and n.3 to that document.