George Washington to Major General Benjamin Lincoln, 2 July 1781
To Major General Benjamin Lincoln
Heights of Tarry Town [N.Y.] July 2nd 1781
Dear Sir
I have this moment received your favor,1 and have only to express my wish that you will cross as soon as possible & take possession of the Heights of Kings Bridge so as to support the Duke de Lauzun & prevent the Enemy from attempting to cut him off by that way or to prevent their retreating if they are out.2
I shall be at Valentines Hill in Mile Square by tomorrow Morning if practicable.3 I am Dear Sir Your Most Obedt Hble Servt
Go: Washington
LS, in David Humphreys’s writing, MH; Df, DLC:GW; Varick transcript, DLC:GW.
1. See Lincoln to GW, this date.
2. The preceding nine words do not appear on the draft, which Humphreys also penned. For orders given Brigadier General Lauzun, see GW to Lauzun, 1 July.
3. For the march of the troops under GW’s immediate command and their arrival at the objective early on 3 July, see GW to Lincoln, 1 July, source note; see also General Orders, 1 July and this date.