Letter George Washington to Israel Putnam, July 31, 1777
The Writings of George Washington from the Original Manuscript Sources, 1745-1799. John C. Fitzpatrick, Editor.--vol. 08
Dear Sir: I have just received information from Philadelphia that the Enemy's Fleet arrived at the Capes of Delaware yesterday, you will therefore please to order the two Brigades which were thrown over the North River to march immediately towards Philadelphia thro' Morris Town and over Coryell's Ferry, where Boats will be ready for them. The Troops to march as expeditiously as possible without injuring the men. I beg you will endeavour to make up your Garrison with Militia from Connecticut and New York as soon as possible; And I desire that you will forward this account by Express to General Schuyler and to the Eastern States and I hope that as they now have nothing to fear from Genl. Howe, that they will turn out their force both Continental and Militia to oppose Burgoyne. I am etc.
P. S. As the Enemy seem now fixed I desire that you may keep two thousand Continental Troops and order the others to march Southward by the same track with the two Brigades.
If any thing should induce me to think that the Enemy mean to send any part of their force back again, I will immediately countermand the March of those Troops. (59)
[Note 59: The draft is in the writing of Richard Kidder Meade.]
http://memory.loc.gov/cgi-bin/query/r?ammem/mgw:@field(DOCID+@lit(gw080447))