Israel Putnam to John Neilson regarding a British plan of attack - American History 1493-1945 - Adam Matthew Digital

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Field name	Value
Collection Reference Number	GLC06307.02
From Archive Folder	Documents Relating to 1777
Title	Israel Putnam to John Neilson regarding a British plan of attack
Date	25 February 1777
Author	Putnam, Israel (1718-1790)
Recipient	Neilson, John
Document Type	Correspondence
Content Description	Reports that there is intelligence showing that the British are planning a movement toward Delaware. Advises that if this occurs, Colonel Neilson should join him immediately with his men. Warns him not to be fooled, "be careful that you are not deceived into this Movement by any Foraging Party for the Enemy, but previous to taking this step observe if possible whether or not they are really prepared for a March." Informs that the British are building pontoons in New York and that he should try to find out if any arrive at Amboy, New Jersey. Also instructs Neilson to spare no expense to secure "proper" spies to observe and predict the enemy's movement. Text in hand of Aaron Burr.
Subjects	Revolutionary War Revolutionary War General Military History Continental Army Transportation Global History and Civics Foreign Affairs Spying
People	Putnam, Israel (1718-1790) Neilson, John (1745-1833) Burr, Aaron (1756-1836)
Place written	Princeton, New Jersey
Theme	The American Revolution; Foreign Affairs
Sub-collection	The Gilder Lehrman Collection, 1493-1859
Copyright	The Gilder Lehrman Institute of American History
Module	Settlement, Commerce, Revolution and Reform: 1493-1859
Transcript	Show/hide Princeton 25th Feby 1777 Dear Colo From different Intelligence - and the Preparations of the Enemy there is the greatest Reason to believe that they intend a Movement this Way - should such a Manoevre take Place or should the British Army [illegible] advance towards Delaware, you will observe it as your Orders to join me with the Men under your Command immediately - be careful that you are not deceived into this Movement by any Foraging Party of the Enemy, but previous to taking this step observe if possible/whether or not they are really prepared for a March - I am informed they have been making Floats or Pontoons at N York [inserted: for the Purpose of laying across Rivers by Way of a Bridge]. I should be very glad, if you would engage some intelligent Person to inform you if any should arrive at Amboy - As you are much acquainted with the Country and with [inserted: the] Persons who may be relied on, I would have you spare no Pains or Cost to procure proper Spies to observe the Preparations of the Enemy. whether they are repairing their Waggons, shoeing their Horses or other things of this Nature which denote a March - - In Case of a Movement as above, and should the Communication between us be cut off - I would have you make for some of the lower Ferries - Burlington or opposite Philada and there cross the River and join me as [struck: above] before directed - I am sir your hum Servt Israel Putnam Colo. Nielson [address leaf] Colonel John Nielson Cranbury - [docket] Genl Putnam Febry 25th 1777 -

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