George Washington to Alexander McDougall regarding plans for the 1778 campaign and conditions in the army - American History 1493-1945 - Adam Matthew Digital

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Field name	Value
Collection Reference Number	GLC03104
From Archive Folder	Documents Relating to 1778
Title	George Washington to Alexander McDougall regarding plans for the 1778 campaign and conditions in the army
Date	8 April 1778
Author	Washington, George (1732-1799)
Recipient	McDougall, Alexander
Document Type	Correspondence
Content Description	Written as Commander in Chief. Also mentions his fears for a small pox outbreak in the army.
Subjects	Epidemic Disease President Revolutionary War Revolutionary War General Valley Forge Smallpox Global History and Civics Military Camp Health and Medical Continental Army
People	Washington, George (1732-1799) McDougall, Alexander (1732-1786)
Place written	Valley Forge, Pennsylvania
Theme	Health & Medicine; Foreign Affairs; The Presidency
Sub-collection	The Gilder Lehrman Collection, 1493-1859
Additional Information	Notes: Published in Fitzpatrick, John C. The Writings of George Washington. v. 11: 227-28. In the writing of Tench Tilghman. Signer of the U.S. Constitution.
Copyright	The Gilder Lehrman Institute of American History
Module	Settlement, Commerce, Revolution and Reform: 1493-1859
Transcript	Show/hide Head Quarters Valley Forge 8th April 1778 Dear Sir I have been favd. with yours of the 29th: March and 3d: instant. The Fleet which arrived in Deleware, as mentioned in mine of the 31st: ulto, came from N York; but they had very few troops on board, so that if those transports, which were at the Hook with Troops, have sailed, I know not certainly where they are gone. General Lee, who came out of Philada. a few days ago upon parole, says he thinks they were to go to Rhode Island to replace some troops which were to be brought from thence to New York. The practicability of the enterprize mentioned in mine of the 31st. ulto. will depend intirely upon circumstances and must be still, as it was then, left to your own good judgment and that of the Gentlemen with whom I desired you to consult. The sending on Van Schaicks Regiment must also depend upon the intelligence you receive from New York. If you find that the Enemy are not in a situation to make an attempt upon you, but still too strong for you to attempt any thing against them with a probability of success, I would have you, in that Case, send the Regiment forward as quick as possible. The number of Men in Parson's Brigade admitted [2] to Furlough amazes me. Their terms must certainly be by this time expired, and I beg that Genl. Parsons may exert himself in having them collected and brought to their Regiments, as all the Officers of other Regiments who have men absent upon that account ought to [struck: have] do. The Recruits who have not had the small Pox and who are intended for the Regiments with this Army ought not to halt or touch at the places where the Hospitals are. If they do, they will more than probable take the infection and be seized with the distemper upon the Road. An Officer may be posted at some convenient place in Connecticut to give them directions in this matter. I am with great Regard Dear Sir Your most obt. Sevt. Go: Washington Genl. McDougall [address] On public Service Free To Major General Mc. Dougall at Fishkill G. Washington [docket] General Washington of 8th. April 1778. 129 copied WWH

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