Letter George Washington to Alexander McDougall, December 21, 1776
The Writings of George Washington from the Original Manuscript Sources, 1745-1799. John C. Fitzpatrick, Editor.--vol. 06
Dear Sir: I am this Evening favoured with yours of the 19th, from Chatham. I not only approve of the Disposition you made of the three Regiments under Colo. Vose, because I think it was a very judicious one, but I had previous to the Receipt of your Letter, determined upon exactly the same plan, and had sent orders to Colo. Vose, to halt at Morris Town, that he might afford protection to the well affected in that Neighbour hood and give Spirits to the Militia. If you find your Health such that you cannot take an active part where you are, or stay there, without further prejudice to it, I would have you return to Peeks Kill, and there, in conjunction with Genl. Geo. Clinton, take charge of that Department, as I have ordered Genl. Heath to join me with as many of the Connecticut and Massachusetts Militia as can be spared.
I think with you, that tho' your State of Health may require a Resignation, that this is not a proper time to make it. Our Enemies would probably attribute it to the late unfavourable Aspect of our affairs, and therefore I would advise you to try, whether a little rest might not contribute to the Cure of a disorder, which is generally brought on by Colds and Fatigue. I am &c. (56)
[Note 56: The draft is in the writing of Tench Tilghman.]
http://memory.loc.gov/cgi-bin/query/r?ammem/mgw:@field(DOCID+@lit(gw060318))