George Washington to Major General Alexander McDougall, 2 July 1781
To Major General Alexander McDougall
Head Quarters Peekskill 2d July 1781.
Dear Sir
I inform you in full confidence that an attempt is to be made this night by surprize upon the enemy’s posts upon the North end of York Island.1 I move down with the remainder of the Army towards Kingsbridge and expect the French Troops will form a junction with me, or will be very near at hand to support me.2 In case of success I shall contrive you the most instantaneous intelligence upon which you will cause the Beacons and Alarm Guns to be fired, which are to be signals to the Governor to call out and march the Militia to my support, for I take it for granted the enemy will make every effort to regain their posts. I have already written to the Governor and have prepared him for this matter.3 But as he may not distinctly see or hear the signals you will dispatch an Express to him upon hearing from me. You will give notice to the parties stationed at the Beacons to set fire to them upon your firing some certain number of Cannon.4 There were parties at the Beacons. If there are none now they should immediately be sent. I am with much Esteem Dear Sir Your most obt Servt
Go: Washington
You will be pleased immediately to forward the inclosed to Genl Knox.5
LS, in Tench Tilghman’s writing, PPRF; Df, DLC:GW; Varick transcript, DLC:GW. The postscript appears only on the LS.
1. See GW to Benjamin Lincoln, 1 July, and the source note to that document.
2. See GW to Rochambeau, 30 June and 1 July.
4. A thought is struck out at this point on the draft, which Tilghman also penned: “You will hold the Infantry of the Garrison ready to move, because it may be found.”
5. See GW to Henry Knox, this date.