Dear Sir

I have recd. intelligence that a party of the Enemy are establishing themselves at or near Fort Lee and building a Block House or some kind of Work.

If they are permitted to compleat their plan they will not only be difficult to remove but they will harrass the Country from thence and may be much in the way of some future operation.

When I formed the Battalion which you at present command, it was with a view of having a Corps ready to execute a project of the kind which I shall propose to you, which is to endeavour to strike, by surprise, the party above mentioned.

You will, without loss of time, see Capt. Lawrence who commands the York Levies near Dobbs Ferry and concert measures with him for gaining certain intelligence of the real strength and situation of the Enemy and if you find them such as seem to give you a tolerable certainty of success you will plan your attack in such manner as shall be best warranted from your intimation.

The sooner it is done the better, as the enemy, if they are fortifying will be every day stronger.

You will take Capt. Lawrence under your command with the Levies of New York and any Jersey Militia that you may find embodied, but you will trust no Officer among them nor any other but Lawrence with your design. He is sensible and appears discreit.

As I confide very much in your prudence and Judgment I shall only give you these general directions- to attempt nothing which may have the appearance of rashness and to guard well against being drawn into an ambuscade or being intercepted by a sudden reenforcement from York Island.

Capt. Lawrence's party who must be acquainted with every foot of the Ground ought to secure you against the first, and guards at the practicable landing places will certainly prevent the last.

I shall set out in the morning for Connecticut and shall be absent six or seven days. If you make the attempt I wish you every success.

I am with much Regard
Dr. sir
Yrs. &c.
[George Washington]

Colo. Scammell

Library of Congress, George Washington Papers, Series 4, Reel 78, V 174-114.

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