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Revolutionary War–dated LS signed “Go: Washingto[n],” one page both sides, 7.5 x 9.25, July 26, 1777. Letter to Major General William Alexander, Lord Stirling, offering precise details on recent troop movements and approving a plan for his army's march into eastern New Jersey. At the time, Washington had spent months awaiting signs of British action from their New York base. On July 24th, he learned that General Howe and his 15,000 troops had set sail, destination unknown. Unsure whether the British would strike at the Hudson Valley, Philadelphia, Boston, or Charleston, Washington judged Philadelphia the most likely target and began repositioning forces accordingly. However, with Staten Island left thinly defended, he saw a fleeting chance for a tactical strike—preparations for which are outlined in this letter.
In full: "Yours of the 24th overtook me at this place. Gen'l Green’s division will reach Morris Town this Evening. Gen'l Stephen’s and Gen'l Lincoln’s march thro’ Chester by an upper Road. I have no objection to your Lordship’s taking the Rout you mention, and as it will bring you near New Ark and Elizabeth Town, I have sent orders to Colo. Dayton to endeavour to procure certain intelligence of the Number of the Enemy left upon Staten Island and where they are posted. If they only consist of the Green Regiments amounting to about 1000 Men, as a Deserter says, a descent may be made to great Advantage. Colo. Dayton will procure all the Boats thereabouts previous to your coming, and if upon your arrival you think the attempt practicable, you may make the tryal. That you may not go needlessly out of your Way, Colo. Dayton is to send an Officer to meet you, to acquaint you with his intelligence, from which you may judge whether it will be prudent to make an attack. Your Lordship is not by any means to under[stand] the above [as] a Positive order, but a M[atte]r left intirely to your own discretion, I would not have it undertaken if there is the smallest Risque, for I do not think we are at this time intitled to put any thing to the hazard." In very good to fine condition, with some small professional repairs, light staining affecting some of the text, and a trimmed edge catching the "n" at the end of Washington's signature.
Washington's letter offers a clear view of his strategic thinking, as well as his flexible approach to his command—he entrusts Stirling with full authority to decide whether to launch the attack on Staten Island, warning him against taking unnecessary risks given the fragile state of the Continental Army. In the end, Sterling's planned raid on Staten Island was aborted and he was ordered to reinforce the troops at Philadelphia.
Provenance: Lot 10, The Forbes Collection of American Historical Documents, Christie's, October 9, 2002.
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