General George Washington to Brigadier General James Potter

Reed 11-06 [1].jpg
Reed 11-06 [2].jpg
Reed 11-06 [3].jpg

Title

General George Washington to Brigadier General James Potter

Description

Addressed from "White Marsh", letter instructs General James Potter to disregard previous orders from Washington to hurry the militia. This letter requests Potter to employ the militia to any advantage against the enemy at Carpenter Island. Further intelligence on the Fort Mifflin campaign.

Creator

General George Washington

Date

11 November 1777

Rights

John F. Reed Collection Valley Forge NHP

Identifier

Box 2, Folder 18, 11-06

Text

White Marsh Nov 11th 1777

Dear Sir,

I do not wish you to hurry the March of the Militia mentioned in my former Letter --- on the contrary, if you can employ them to any advantage, you have my free consent to detain all that are new with you – or such part as may answer your purposes.---- It would be a great and glorious thing, if you could disturb (admitting no more was done) the Enemy upon Carpenter Island, especially while they are on the height of their operation against Fort Mifflin—the reason why I cannot at this time, detach Troops from hence for this Service may be communicated at a future day not being the fit Subject for a Letter.
As Intelligence of any movement against, and operations at the Forts can come much quicker from your quartersthan red bank, I could wish to have the speed of information of it from you---Genl. Armstrong thinks it is in your purpose to give considerable Interuption to the Enemy in the construction of their Bridge, if so, I can greatly recommend the measure to you and have advised Genl. Armstrong to furnish you with a field piece as for this purpose.—
I shall be glad to hear regularly from you and am

D Sir
Yr most Obedt Serv
G Washington