George Washington to William Stephens Smith about the course of the war, Dobbs Ferry, relations between British and civilians - American History 1493-1945 - Adam Matthew Digital

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Field name	Value
Collection Reference Number	GLC00949
From Archive Folder	Documents Relating to 1782
Title	George Washington to William Stephens Smith about the course of the war, Dobbs Ferry, relations between British and civilians
Date	16 December 1782
Author	Washington, George (1732-1799)
Recipient	Smith, William Stephens
Document Type	Correspondence; Military document
Content Description	In hand of aide-de-camp Benjamin Walker. Written to Smith, the Commissary of Prisoners to the Army. References Smith's letter of 12 December 1782. Thanks him for intelligence it contains. Disagrees with Smith's assessment on Dobbs Ferry. Says it can withstand a small surprise attack and that it was never designed to deal with a large attack. Says the daily intercourse between the inhabitants "of the lower country" with the enemy is alarming and should be broken up. Would like suggestions on how to do that. At this point, after the American victory at Yorktown, Dobbs Ferry was the one official point of contact between the American and British armies in the North and Washington wanted to control that contact tightly. Says the refugee Smith mentioned previously is at West Point and that he may be paroled if he cannot be exchanged. Signed by Washington. Pages are separated.
Subjects	President Spying Revolutionary War Military History Global History and Civics West Point (US Military Academy) Refugees Prisoner of War
People	Washington, George (1732-1799) Smith, William Stephens (1755-1816)
Place written	Newburgh, New York
Theme	The American Revolution
Sub-collection	The Gilder Lehrman Collection, 1493-1859
Additional Information	Notes: Published in John C. Fitzpatrick. The Writings of George Washington 25:438. 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 16th Dec.r 1782 Dear Sir Your Letter of the 12 Instant was deliverd me yesterday with its several inclosures, and I am to thank you for the intelligence it contains. I have myself seen the Work at Dobbs ferry, but cannot agree with you as to its indefensible State; it was calculated to withstand a serious attack, but has always been supposed equal to any small party that might attempt it by a Coup de main, and as that lost is assigned for the only communication we have with the Enemy, it appears if not the only at least the best place where the duties of your Office can be performed. The intercourse which you say is daily increasing between the inhabitants of the lower country and the Enemy is indeed alarming and if possible should be broke up- I wish as you are upon the spot and acquainted with the circumstances and nature of it, that you would suggest the measures which you think will be most [2] Effectual for that purpose, and I will give them every support in my power. The Refugee you mention is at WestPoint- you may send him on Parole if he cannot be exchanged.- with great regard I am Dear Sir Your Most Obedient Servant Go:Washington [docket] from H. Q.r Decr. 16th. 1782 and 25th. George Washington

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