Letter George Washington to Israel Putnam, December 25, 1776
The Writings of George Washington from the Original Manuscript Sources, 1745-1799. John C. Fitzpatrick, Editor.--vol. 06
[Note 86: Stryker, in his Battles of Trenton and Princeton (p. 113), states that early on Christmas morning Washington issued the following orders for the march on Trenton. He does not state his source:Dear Sir: I am glad to hear by your Son, that you are getting better again. If I had not been well convinced before of the Enemy's Intention of possessing themselves of Philadelphia, so soon as the frost will form Ice hard enough to transport them, and their Artillery across the Delaware, I have an intercepted Letter which puts the matter beyond a doubt."Each brigade to be furnished with two good guides. General Stephen's brigade to form the advance party, and to have with them a detachment of the artillery without cannon, provided with spikes and hammers to spike up the enemies' cannon in case of necessity, or to bring them off it is can be effected, the party to be provided with drag-ropes for the purpose of dragging off the cannon. General Stephen is to attack and force the enemy's guards and seize such posts as may prevent them from forming in the streets, and in case they are annoyed from the houses to set them on fire. The brigades of Mercer and Lord Stirling, under the command of Major General Greene, to support General Stephen. This is the 2d division or left wing of the army and to march by the way of the Pennington road.
"St. Clair's, Glover's, and Sargent's brigades, under Major General Sullivan, to march by the River Road. This is the first division of the army, and to form the right wing. Lord Stirling's brigade to form the reserve of the left wing, and General St. Clair's brigade the reserve of the right wing. These reserves to form a second line in conjunction, or a second line to each division, as circumstances may require. Each brigadier to make the colonels acquainted with the posts of their respective regiments in the brigade, and the major-generals will inform them of the posts of the brigades in the line. Four pieces of artillery to march at the head of each column; three pieces at the head of the second brigade of each division; and two pieces with each of the reserves. The troops to be assembled one mile back of McKonkey's Ferry, and as soon as it begins to grow dark the troops to be marched to McKonkey's Ferry, and embark on board the boats in following order under the direction of Colonel Knox.
"General Stephen's brigade, with the detachment of artillerymen, to embark first; General Mercer's next; Lord Stirling's next; General Fermoy's next, who will march into the rear of the second division and file off from the Pennington to the Princeton road in such direction that he can with the greatest ease and safety secure the passes between Princeton and Trenton. The guides will be the best judges of this. He is to take two pieces of artillery with him. St. Clair's, Glover's, and Sargent's brigades to embark in order. Immediately upon their debarkation, the whole to form and march in subdivisions from the right. The commanding officers of regiments to observe that the divisions be equal and that proper officers be appointed to each. A profound silence to be enjoined, and no matt to quit his ranks on the pain of death. Each brigadier to appoint flanking parties; the reserve brigades to appoint the rear-guards of the columns; the head of the columns to be appointed to arrive at Trenton at five o'clock.
"Captain Washington and Captain Flahaven, with a party of forty men each, to march before the divisions and post themselves on the road about three miles from Trenton, and make prisoners of all going in or coming out of town.
"General Stephen will appoint a guard to form a chain of sentries round the landing-place at a sufficient distance from the river to permit the troops to form, this guard not to suffer any person to go in or come out, but to detain all persons who attempt either. This guard to join their brigade when the troops are all over."]
If therefore the Citizens of Philadelphia have any regard for the Town, not a moments time is to be lost in putting it in the best posture of defence possible; but least this should not be done, I would have the public Stores of every kind that can be, removed, except such as may be necessary for immediate use, and except Provisions.
I think the Stores should go towards Lancaster instead of Christeen Bridge, unless they can be water borne (at this time to the Bridge) and readily transported from thence into the Country; Should not this be the case may they not easily be seized at Christeen? I think they may; but this matter should be inquired into.
I am sorry Colo. Griffin has left the Jerseys, some active Officer of Influence, ought in my opinion, to repair there to inspirit the people, and keep the Militia from disbanding, and if possible to encourage them to assemble.
Let me know the exact State and Strength of the Militia with you, that I may know how to govern myself, also of the expectation you have of more coming in. I am &ca.
[P. S. If a Party of Militia from Philadelphia could be sent over to support the Jersey Militia about Mr. Holly would it not serve to prevent them from Submission? I wish you could get Colo. Forman, and endeavour in my name to prevail upon him to exert himself in this business. I want to see him Myself much on this Acct. Pray send the Letter to Mr. Hancock by Express, if the Post does not set out immediately for Baltimore.] (87)
[Note 87: The draft is in the writing of George Lewis; the P. S., in brackets, is in Washington's writing.]
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