George Washington to William S[tephens] Smith raising concerns about illicit trade with the British - American History 1493-1945 - Adam Matthew Digital

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Field name	Value
Collection Reference Number	GLC03770
From Archive Folder	Documents Relating to 1783
Title	George Washington to William S[tephens] Smith raising concerns about illicit trade with the British
Date	3 March 1783
Author	Washington, George (1732-1799)
Recipient	Smith, William Stephens
Document Type	Correspondence; Military document
Content Description	Written by General Washington to Lieutenant Colonel Smith as commander of the post at Dobbs Ferry, New York. Discusses the problems of trading with British-occupied New York City and the issue of states ignoring the "barrier between us and the enemy."
Subjects	Revolutionary War Revolutionary War General Military History President Global History and Civics Commerce Merchants and Trade Loyalist
People	Washington, George (1732-1799) Smith, William Stephens (1755-1816)
Place written	Newburgh, New York
Theme	The Presidency; Merchants & Commerce; Foreign Affairs; The American Revolution
Sub-collection	The Gilder Lehrman Collection, 1493-1859
Additional Information	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 Newburgh 3d. March 83 Dear Sir, I have been favoured with your private letter of the 24th. Ulto. & thank you for the information contained in it. - It is much to be regretted that while I am using every means in my power to comply with the orders of Congress (founded in my opinion on our true interest & policy) that there should be such a counteraction as we daily experience [struck: by] [inserted: from] individuals. - But more lamentable is our situation, [inserted: it appears that] when States, or the Administration of them, are leaping over those bounds which ought to be a sacred barrier between us and the Enemy; & without which, all opposition to their measures must soon cease - or dwindle into something very farcical. That the intercourse with New York by way of the Sound, is, in a manner unrestrained, I have little doubt of - and that the very Boats which are Armed & Commissioned for the purpose of cutting of this Communication are employed in facilitating the Trade, I have a recent proof of in One which was caught in the fact, by the vigilance of Majr. Talmage, with E. Goods on board. We have only to persevere & with the means we possess, give all the checks to it in our power. - Every Officer who exerts himself in this business shall meet every support I can [2] give - and will undoubtedly merit the approbation of Congress. - With respect to the other matters entertained in your Letter, I have to entreat that you will keep an attentive eye towards them - that you may be able, if it should become needful, to give me as good information as the nature of the case will admit - Let the motives to these enquiries be hid from those about you, & confined to your own breast. - I have reasons for giving you this caution which cannot be entrusted to Paper. I am Dr Sir Yr. Most Obedt. Servt. Go: Washington Lt Colo. Smith. [docket] Head Quarters 3.d March 1783 - Private from G. W.ton. To Gl. Commanding officer of the advanced Post of the American Army Colonel W..S..Smith [address leaf] Private Lieutt. Colo. Smith Comg. at the Post of Dobbs Ferry

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