The writings of George Washington; being his correspondence, addresses, messages, and other papers, official and private, selected and published from the original manuscripts; with a life of the author, notes and illustrations. By Jared Sparks.

PARTII.] THE AMERICAN REVOLUTION. 87
to Colonel Smith, commander of the garrison at Fort
Mifflin, and Commodore Hazelwood, commander of the
fleet in the river@* You are to cooperate with them in
every measure necessary for the defence of the obstructions in the river, and to counteract every attempt
the enemy may make for their removal. You will find
a very good fortification at Red Bank; but if any thing
should be requisite to render it stronger, or proportion
it to the size of your garrison, you will have it done.
The cannon you will stand in need of, as much as can
be spared, will be furnished from the galleys and Fort
Mifflin, from whence also you will derive supplies of
military stores.
I have sent Captain Duplessis,t with some officers
and men, to take the immediate direction of the artillery, for your garrison. He is also to superintend
any works that may be wanted. If there should be
any deficiency of men for the artillery, the security of
the garrison will require you to assist him with a few
additional ones from your detachment. You should
not lose a moment's time in getting to the place of
your destination, and making every proper preparation
for its defence. Any delay might give the enemy an
opportunity of getting there before you, which could
not fail of being most fatal in its consequences. If in
the progress of your march you should fall in with any
detachment of the enemy, bending towards the same
object, and likely to gain it before you, and from intelligence should have reason to think yourself equal
a Commodore Hazelwood acted under a commission from Pennsylvania, and originally commanded only the armed vessels belonging to that
State. But the Continental shipping in the Delaware was now likewise
put under his command. This caused some uneasiness on the part of
the Continental navy officers, and occasional want of harmony.
t A young French officer of great merit, appointed by Congress a
captain of artillery in the American service.