![WASHINGTON, George. Letter signed ("G:o Washington") as Commander-in-Chief, Continental Army, to Brigadier General James Clinton in the Hudson Highlands; Head Quarters on Harlem Heights, [New York], 5 October 1776. 1 full page, folio, verso with recipient's docket "Montgomery & Conner supplying the Enemy."](https://www.christies.com.cn/img/LotImages/2006/NYR/2006_NYR_01770_0319_000(011229).jpg?w=1)
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WASHINGTON, George. Letter signed ("G:o Washington") as Commander-in-Chief, Continental Army, to Brigadier General James Clinton in the Hudson Highlands; Head Quarters on Harlem Heights, [New York], 5 October 1776. 1 full page, folio, verso with recipient's docket "Montgomery & Conner supplying the Enemy."
ENTRENCHING TOOLS AND TORY BUTTER: WASHINGTON PREPARES TO FIGHT AT HARLEM HEIGHTS
A rare letter from the Continental camp at Harlem Heights, during a brief lull in the disastrous New York campaign. After being driven out of Brooklyn (30 August) and lower Manhattan (15 September) by the British, the Americans took strong defensive lines at Harlem Heights and Fort Washington, preparing to repulse the next British assault. Washington acknowledges Clinton's report on the interception of certain supplies en route to the British Army: "...they say the Butter was intended for this army. I would therefore advise its being immediately sent to Col. Trumbull, Commissary General, who will pay the current price, this step cannot but be agreeable to Mr. Conner if he is innocent of the charge if otherways will be secured from going to the Enemy. "
"The Committee [of Safety] should take upon them the further examination of Conner & Montgomery and deal with them according to their crimes, if found guilty the same steps ought to be taken in regard to the flour you mention." Clinton has entrenching tools, and Washington explains that "much time elapses in sending them from here, besides we have not more than are wanted for present use." He directs Clinton to apply to the commissary. After several weeks respite, General Howe moved in force against the American lines at Throg's Point and Pell's Point (12-18 October) forcing Washington to withdraw again to the north, setting the stage for the Battle of White Plains (28 October).
Published in Papers, Rev War Ser., ed. Twohig, 5:471-472. Provenance: See note preceding 316.
ENTRENCHING TOOLS AND TORY BUTTER: WASHINGTON PREPARES TO FIGHT AT HARLEM HEIGHTS
A rare letter from the Continental camp at Harlem Heights, during a brief lull in the disastrous New York campaign. After being driven out of Brooklyn (30 August) and lower Manhattan (15 September) by the British, the Americans took strong defensive lines at Harlem Heights and Fort Washington, preparing to repulse the next British assault. Washington acknowledges Clinton's report on the interception of certain supplies en route to the British Army: "...they say the Butter was intended for this army. I would therefore advise its being immediately sent to Col. Trumbull, Commissary General, who will pay the current price, this step cannot but be agreeable to Mr. Conner if he is innocent of the charge if otherways will be secured from going to the Enemy. "
"The Committee [of Safety] should take upon them the further examination of Conner & Montgomery and deal with them according to their crimes, if found guilty the same steps ought to be taken in regard to the flour you mention." Clinton has entrenching tools, and Washington explains that "much time elapses in sending them from here, besides we have not more than are wanted for present use." He directs Clinton to apply to the commissary. After several weeks respite, General Howe moved in force against the American lines at Throg's Point and Pell's Point (12-18 October) forcing Washington to withdraw again to the north, setting the stage for the Battle of White Plains (28 October).
Published in Papers, Rev War Ser., ed. Twohig, 5:471-472. Provenance: See note preceding 316.