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.

178 WASHINGTON'S WRITINGS. [_AT. 45.
TO MAJOR-GENERAL GATES.
Head-Quarters, 2 December, 1777.
SIR,
I was yesterday favored with yours of the 23d of
November, and am glad to find that you were upon
your guard against any attempt of General Burgoyne
to endeavour to change the place of embarkation. No
transports have yet sailed from the Delaware, for the
purpose of carrying the troops to Europe, nor do I
hear that any have gone from New York. I can only
attribute this delay to want of provision for the voyage.
Bread we know is exceedingly scarce among them.
By a resolve of Congress of the 5th of November,
you are directed, with a certain part of the northern
army and the assistance of the militia of New York and
the eastern States, to attempt the recovery of the posts
upon the North River from the enemy, and to put them,
if recovered, in the best posture of defence. The enchief direction and superintendence of this business; and I shall be
happy if the affairs of government will permit you. If they will, you
may rest assured, that no aid in my power to afford you shall be withheld, and there are no impediments on the score of delicacy or superior
command, that shall not be removed." To this complimentary and flattering proposal, Governor Clinton replied; -" The legislature of this
State [New York] is to meet on the 5th of next month. The variety
of important business to be prepared for their consideration, and other
affairs of government, will employ so great a part of my time, that 1
should not be able to give that attention to the works for the security
of the river, which their importance, and the short time in which they
ought to be completed, require. But you may rest assured, Sir, that
every leisure hour shall be faithfully devoted to them, and my advice
and assistance shall not on any consideration be withheld from the person,
who shall be intrusted with the chief direction." — JS. Letter, Decetmbeir 20th. The same letter contains several important hints respecting
the construction of new works on the river, and he especially recommends, that a "strong fortress should be erected at West Point, opposite to Fort Constitution." This was probably the first suggestion, from
any official source, which led to the fortifying of that post.