Washington, George, 1732-1799. The writings of George Washington from the original manuscript sources: Volume 9
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To COLONEL ELIAS DAYTON
Head Qurs., Camp at Cross Roads, August 14, 1777.

    Sir: As you are not inconveniently situated to keep a look out upon what may be passing about King's Bridge, in New York and on Staten Island,1 I wish you to take every method to collect the best intelligence you can of the situation of the Enemy, their Strength and Motions at those several places, and communicate the same to me. With respect to their Strength, I would not have you pay any attention to the vague calculations, that may be made by those of whom you inquire, as to the whole number at either place. If you can only ascertain, with certainty, the particular Regiments and Corps; we shall be able

[Note:Dayton was then at Acquakanonck, on the Passaic River, in New Jersey. ]
to estimate their numbers better by that, than by any conjectures they can form. The point to be attended to, is to find out how many and what particular corps there are at the different places.

    I have been informed they are collecting a large number of Waggons about Kings Bridge. This is a Circumstance of importance and which I should be glad you would take pains to find out the truth of.

    I would also have you to procure and send me an exact account of the number of boats that may be collected in the neighbouring Rivers and Creeks, and the places where they are, in case they should be wanted, for any sudden secret expedition, and this should be done in such a manner, as not to make any noise, nor raise any Suspicions of what may be intended. I am &ca.2

[Note:The draft is in the writing of Alexander Hamilton. ]