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On Dec. 14, 1776, General George Washington sent a letter to his brigade commanders stationed along the Delaware River. Washington gave general instructions for the river’s defense. Moreover, he expressed the intelligence of the enemy and terrain required to prepare for his next move against the British.
To Brigadier Generals James Ewing, Hugh Mercer, Adam Stephen, and Lord Stirling Head Quarters at Keiths [NJ] December 14th 1776
Lest the Enemy should in some degree avail themselves of the Knowledge (for I do not doubt but that they are well informed of every thing we do) I did not care to be so particular in the General orders of this day, as I mean to be in this Letter to You.
As much Time then would be lost (in case the Enemy should attempt crossing the [Delaware] River at any pass within your guard of it) in first sending you notice, and the Troops to wait for Orders what to do, I would advise you to examine the whole River, from the upper to the lower Guard of your district, and after forming an Opinion of the most probable Crossing places, have those well watch’d, and direct the Regiments or Companies…to repair as they Can be formed, immediately to the point of attack, and give the Enemy all the Opposition they possibly Can. Every thing in a manner depends upon the defence at the Waters Edge, in like Manner one Brigade is to support another without loss of time, or waiting orders from me. I would also have You fix upon some Central Spot convenient to your Brigade, but in the rear a little, and on some Road leading to Philadelphia for your unnecessary Baggage, Waggons & Stores, that in case your opposition should prove ineffectual…proceed over Nehsameny Ferry, or Bridge, towards German town…
Let me intreat you to Cast about to find out some person who can be engaged to Cross the River as a Spy, that we may…obtain some knowledge of the Enemy’s situation, movements, & intention; particular inquiry to be made by the person sent, if any preparations are making to Cross the River, whether any Boats are building, & where; Whether any are coming across Land from Brunswick?; Whether any great Collection of Horses are made, and for what purpose & etc. Expence must not be Spared in procuring such Intelligence, and will readily be paid by me.
We are in a neighbourhood of very disaffected people; equal Care should therefore be taken that one of these persons do not undertake the business in order to betray us. As your numbers are rather small, endeavour to show them…to the best advantage. An appearance might be made with those you have as if fresh Troops were coming in, and if you stop all Intercourse but such as is carried on to the other side by your own permit, it will take a little time to discover the deception and every hour gain’d is of service in our present situation.
If possible get some person into Trenton—& let Him be satisfied if any Boats are Building at that place and on Croswicks Creek.
I am with respect Sir, Your Most Obedient Servant, Go. Washington
Article by Michael E. Bigelow, INSCOM Command Historian. New issues of This Week in MI History are published each week. To report story errors, ask questions, request previous articles, or be added to our distribution list, please contact: TR-ICoE-Command-Historian@army.mil.
| Date Taken: | 12.19.2025 |
| Date Posted: | 12.19.2025 14:04 |
| Story ID: | 554927 |
| Location: | US |
| Web Views: | 15 |
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