Philadelphia, August 31, 1781.
Sir: Since my Letter of this Morng, upon Consultation with Count Rochambeau, I find that he is inclined to have the French Troops march by Land from Trenton to Head of Elk, which will give a larger proportion of Craft for the American Baggage and Troops. You will therefore notwithstandg my preceeding Letter, after alotg a Sufficiency for the French Baggage &c. they request first put on Board such Heavy Stores and Baggage, Cloathg Tools Garrison Carriages &c. &c. as Colo Lamb and you shall think proper, and then Embark the Troops on Board the Water Craft and let them fall down the River to Christiana Bridge as soon as possible, reserving only such Number as will be necessary to cross by Land with the Waggons and Baggage that may go on in that Way; and the 100 Men to be sent to this Place.
General Knox has just mentioned that the Artillery Stores and the Pieces may best go on by land without any Change, as they are lightly loaded for the Purpose of easy Carriage and their Shiftg may occasion much Delay; you will think on that Circumstance.
In fordg the Waggons and Carriages you will be particularly Careful that no Accident happens by miscrossing, as that will create much Trouble and Delay.
The Q M G will direct what Number of spare Waggons, open as well as Covered ones, will be wanted to be taken along to the Christiana Bridge, for the purpose of transportation from that Place to the Head of Elk: these will also go on by Land. I am &c.
The Q M G will see the Boats comg on with Colo Cortlands Regt. put in Re, as soon as they Arrive; these will take down the Regt. which accompanies them and perhaps some other Matters.
Desire our A Q M at Trenton to give every Assistance in his Power to the French Troops, in crossing the Ferry, or in any other Circumstance in which they may need his Aid. 8
[Note:The draft is in the writing of Jonathan Trumbull, jr. ]