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The George Washington Papers at the Library of Congress, 1741-1799
George Washington to William Alexander, Lord Stirling, et al, December 14, 1776
Head Quarters at Keith's, December 14, 1776.
Dr. Sir: Lest the Enemy should, in some degree avail themselves of the knowledge (for I do not doubt but that they are well inform'd of everything we do) I did not care to be so particular in the General Orders of this day as I mean to be in this Letter to you.
As much Time then would be lost (in case the Enemy should attempt crossing the River at any pass within your guard of it) in first sending you notice, and the Troops to wait for Orders what to do, I would advise you to examine the whole River from the upper to the lower Guard of your district; and after forming an opinion of the most probable crossing places, have those well watchd and direct the Regiments or Companies most convenient to repair as they can be formed, immediately to the point of Attack, and give the Enemy all the opposition they possibly can, everything in a manner depends upon the defence at the Water edge, in like manner one Brigade is to support another without loss of time, or waiting orders from me.
I would also have You fix upon some Central Spot convenient to your Brigade, but in the rear a little, and on some Road leading into the Back road to Philadelphia for your unnecessary Baggage, Waggons and Stores, that in case your opposition should prove inefectual these things may not fall but be got off and proceed over Neshamony Bridge towards German Town agreeable to the determination of the Board of Officers the other day. Let me entreat you to Cast about to find out some Person who can be engaged to cross the River as a spy, that we may, if possible, obtain some knowledge of the Enemy's Situation, movements, and intention; particular enquiry to be made by the person sent if any preparations are making to cross the River; whether any Boats are Building, and where; whether any are coming across Land from Brunswick; whether any great collection of Horses are made, and for what purpose &c. Expence must not be spared in procuring such Inteligence, and will readily be paid by me. We are in a Neighbourhood of very disaffected People, equal care therefore should be taken that one of these Persons do not undertake the business in order to betray us.1
[Note 1: Stryker's Battles of Trenton and Princeton (New York: 1898), pp. 87--89, tells of John Honeyman as the spy of Trenton, but the evidence is not sufficient to identify him as the person selected according to the above direction. A man by the name of Pomroy was sent into the British lines by Reed.]
As your numbers are rather small endeavour to shew them, now and then to the best advantage, an appearance might be made with those you have as if fresh Troops were coming in, and if you stop all Intercourse but such as is carried on to the other side by your own permit it will take a little time to discover the deception and every hour gained is of service in our present Situation.
If possible get some person in to Trenton, and let Him be satisfied if any Boats are building at that place and on Croswicks Creek. I am, etc.2
[Note 2: The editor is indebted to the Mount Vernon Ladies' Association of the Union for a photostat of this circular as sent to Brig. Gen. James Ewing, which is in the writing of George Lewis, with the last paragraph in that of Washington. The draft in the Washington Papers is entirely in Washington's writing, but lacks the last two paragraphs above. The Varick Transcripts note the circular as sent to Stirling, Mercer, Stephen, and de Roche Fermoy.]
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