David Humphreys, A.L.S. Bensons Novr. 21, [1783] : to Major General Henry Knox

David Humphreys, A.L.S. Bensons Novr. 21, [1783] : to Major General Henry Knox

Bensons, [N.Y.] 1783

[3] p. on 2 leaves ; 26 cm.

MSS L2013F243 M

Humphreys, who was an aide-de-camp to George Washington, writes to Knox with Washington's instructions during the final evacuation by the British of New York City at the end of the war. Having received word that Sir Guy Carleton was to withdraw his forces from Paulus Hook across the Hudson River, Humphreys informs Knox: "Upon or after consideration it is found necessary that a very discreet & intelligent smbaltern with proper command should be sent as early as may be tomorrow morng [sic] to take possession of the Works at Paulus Hook … The Commander in Chief desires you will arrange this business & give the necessary orders to the officer … It is the particular desire of the General that strict discipline may be preserved, that the men may not be permitted to straggle, and that none of them should be suffered on any pretence to go into New York, until we are in possession of it."
On verso: "The Commanding Officer at McGowans pass is requested to forward this by a trusty man immediately to Genl Knox who is quartered at Mr. Humphry Jones's place, at Blooming Dale."
Inlaid.

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