WASHINGTON, George. Letter signed ("G: o Washington") as Commander-in-Chief, Continental Army, to Gov. George Clinton (1730-1812), Chester, [Pennsylvania], 1 August 1777. 1 full page, 4to, integral address leaf, small seal tear to address leaf, , otherwise in very fine condition. [With:] WASHINGTON. Autograph free frank ("G: o Washington") on address panel marked "On public service," remains of red wax seal.
WASHINGTON, George. Letter signed ("G: o Washington") as Commander-in-Chief, Continental Army, to Gov. George Clinton (1730-1812), Chester, [Pennsylvania], 1 August 1777. 1 full page, 4to, integral address leaf, small seal tear to address leaf, , otherwise in very fine condition. [With:] WASHINGTON. Autograph free frank ("G: o Washington") on address panel marked "On public service," remains of red wax seal. IN THE FOG OF WAR: WAITING FOR GENERAL HOWE'S MOVE AGAINST PHILADELPHIA A massive British expeditionary force sailed from New York in late July; it remained unclear whether Howe intended to land at the head of the Chesapeake (to march on Philadelphia), sail further south (to attack Charleston) or else sail up the Hudson to make a junction with Burgoyne's army on its march from Canada. As Freeman observes, "the fog of war seemed complete," though Washington "felt it was more probable than ever that the destination of Howe was Philadelphia, but he was not quite convinced" (Freeman, Washington , p.445-446). As a precaution, he moved most of his army through Philadelphia on 31 July to Chester, covering likely approaches. But on the day of this letter, he received reports that the British fleet had turned East. In response, the frustrated commander prepares to march north again, to protect the Highlands. "I had proceeded thus far [southward]...to look out for a proper place to arrange the Army, when I rec[eive]d the provoking account that the Enemy Fleet left the Capes of Delaware yesterday, and steered Eastward again, I shall return again with the utmost expedition to the North River [Hudson], but as a sudden stroke is certainly intended by this maneuver, I beg you will immediately call in every man of the militia that you possibly can to strengthen the [Hudson] Highland posts. The importance of Fort Montgomery [at Bear Mountain], is such, that I wish you to repair immediately to it, if you possibly can, consistent with the duties of the office upon which you have newly entered" (Clinton had become Governor of New York in July.) In a postscript he adds, "A party must be still kept to secure the entrance of the Clove." For several weeks Howe continued his puzzling naval feints, while Washington could not divine his intentions. Just as the American army prepared to march north, on 21 August, intelligence reported the British fleet tacking into the Chesapeake. It was now clear that "Instead of attempting to capture Philadelphia by marching overland the British were to land at the northern end of Chesapeake Bay...and proceed northward about fifty-five miles, to the city that had probably been their objective all the while" (Freeman, p.460). The stage was set for Howe's Philadelphia campaign. Published in Papers , Rev. War Series, ed. Chase, 10:475. Provenance: See note preceding 316.
WASHINGTON, George. Letter signed ("G: o Washington") as Commander-in-Chief, Continental Army, to Gov. George Clinton (1730-1812), Chester, [Pennsylvania], 1 August 1777. 1 full page, 4to, integral address leaf, small seal tear to address leaf, , otherwise in very fine condition. [With:] WASHINGTON. Autograph free frank ("G: o Washington") on address panel marked "On public service," remains of red wax seal.
WASHINGTON, George. Letter signed ("G: o Washington") as Commander-in-Chief, Continental Army, to Gov. George Clinton (1730-1812), Chester, [Pennsylvania], 1 August 1777. 1 full page, 4to, integral address leaf, small seal tear to address leaf, , otherwise in very fine condition. [With:] WASHINGTON. Autograph free frank ("G: o Washington") on address panel marked "On public service," remains of red wax seal. IN THE FOG OF WAR: WAITING FOR GENERAL HOWE'S MOVE AGAINST PHILADELPHIA A massive British expeditionary force sailed from New York in late July; it remained unclear whether Howe intended to land at the head of the Chesapeake (to march on Philadelphia), sail further south (to attack Charleston) or else sail up the Hudson to make a junction with Burgoyne's army on its march from Canada. As Freeman observes, "the fog of war seemed complete," though Washington "felt it was more probable than ever that the destination of Howe was Philadelphia, but he was not quite convinced" (Freeman, Washington , p.445-446). As a precaution, he moved most of his army through Philadelphia on 31 July to Chester, covering likely approaches. But on the day of this letter, he received reports that the British fleet had turned East. In response, the frustrated commander prepares to march north again, to protect the Highlands. "I had proceeded thus far [southward]...to look out for a proper place to arrange the Army, when I rec[eive]d the provoking account that the Enemy Fleet left the Capes of Delaware yesterday, and steered Eastward again, I shall return again with the utmost expedition to the North River [Hudson], but as a sudden stroke is certainly intended by this maneuver, I beg you will immediately call in every man of the militia that you possibly can to strengthen the [Hudson] Highland posts. The importance of Fort Montgomery [at Bear Mountain], is such, that I wish you to repair immediately to it, if you possibly can, consistent with the duties of the office upon which you have newly entered" (Clinton had become Governor of New York in July.) In a postscript he adds, "A party must be still kept to secure the entrance of the Clove." For several weeks Howe continued his puzzling naval feints, while Washington could not divine his intentions. Just as the American army prepared to march north, on 21 August, intelligence reported the British fleet tacking into the Chesapeake. It was now clear that "Instead of attempting to capture Philadelphia by marching overland the British were to land at the northern end of Chesapeake Bay...and proceed northward about fifty-five miles, to the city that had probably been their objective all the while" (Freeman, p.460). The stage was set for Howe's Philadelphia campaign. Published in Papers , Rev. War Series, ed. Chase, 10:475. Provenance: See note preceding 316.
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