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.

PARTIH.] THE AMERICAN REVOLUTION. 131
the enemy were obliged to furnish the same, the quantity with us would be greater, and of course the means
of relieving ours easier. I do not know what consequences a prohibition against receiving Continental
money or the currency of any State from them might
involve; I think the subject is worthy of the consideration of Congress, and for that reason I have mentioned
it. I am, &c.
TO BRIGADIER-GENERAL VARNUM.
Head-Quarters, I November, 1777.
SIR,
I hope this will find you arrived safe at Red Bank
with your detachment. By letters from the Baron
d'Arendt, who has retired for a few days to the Jersey
side, for the benefit of his health, I understand that
they care for in New York. Then why should you attack an empty
town, which you know to be untenable the moment they bring their men
of war against it? Yesterday General Burgoyne proposed to surrender
upon the enclosed terms. The capitulation will, I believe, be settled today, when I shall have nothing but General Clinton to think of. If you
keep pace with him on one side, the Governor on the other, and I in his
front, I cannot see how he is to get home again."9- sJS. Letter, October 15th.
Four clays after the capture of Fort Montgomery, a spy was brought
to Governor Clinton, then at New Windsor, who was seen to swallow a
silver bullet. It was recovered by a prescription of tartar emetic, and
found to be hollow, and to contain within its cavity the following brief
message from Sir Henry Clinton to Burgoyne, dated at Fort Mongomery,
October 8th.
"Vo'mts y voici, and nothing now between us but Gates. I sincerely
hope this little success of ours may facilitate your operations. In answer
to your letter of the 28th of September by C. C. I shall only say, I cannot presume to order, or even advise, for reasons obvious. I heartily
wish you success. Faithfully yours.
"H. CLINTON."
Fort Montgomery was denominated Fort Vaugchan by the British, during the twenty days that it was in their possession.