Washington, George, 1732-1799. The writings of George Washington from the original manuscript sources: Volume 8
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To THE PRESIDENT OF CONGRESS
Head Quarters, Morris town, May 21, 1777.

    Sir: Inclosed I have the Honor to transmit you a General Return of the Forces in Jersey.74 It is regimentally digested and will shew the strength of each Corps. I should not have sent it so particularly made out, had I not conceived the conveyance, by which it goes from hence, entirely secure.

[Note:The return inclosed, in the writing of Washington, is in the Washington Papers . The five divisions consisted of two brigades each, and each brigade contained four or five regiments. The total strength of the Army was but 8,188. The regiments comprising the brigades are given in the General Orders of May 22, 1777, q. v . ]

    I have nothing material to add respecting the Enemy. I have &c.

    P.S. I need not suggest to Congress the necessity of keeping our Numbers concealed from the knowledge of the public. Nothing but a good face and false appearances have enabled us hitherto to deceive the Enemy respecting our Strength.75

[Note:In the writing of Robert Hanson Harrison. ]