From George Washington to William Colfax, 28 August 1781
Chatham 28th Augt 1781
Sir,
The inclosed are the Instructions which I meant to deliver verbally, with some explanation—but—your absence has prevented it! When business or Inclination (especially on a March) calls you from your Command I should be glad to know it, that I may regulate myself, and orders accordingly.
Your Rout, & every thing relative to the inclosed order, is to be kept secret till the nature of the movement discloses itself. I am Your Obedt Servt
Go: Washington
P.S. From Trenton you will contrive to forward Mrs Thompson to Newtown, or such other place as she wishes to go to.
DLC: Papers of George Washington.