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.

28 WASHINGTON'S WRITINGS. [_ET. 45.
the command of Fort Montgomery, for there cannot be
a more proper man upon every account. I am, &c.
TO GOVERNOR GEORGE CLINTON, NEW YORK.
Camp, Bucks County, 13 August, 1777.
DEAR SIR,
Your vigilance in providing a proper force to oppose
the enemy, and the alacrity with which the militia have
assembled, afford me great satisfaction. If your efforts
are seasonably and skilfully seconded by your eastern
neighbours, we may hope, that General Burgoyne will
find it equally difficult either to make a further progress,
or to effect a retreat. You are the best judge with
respect to the length of service to be required from the
militia. However, as their assistance is a resource,
which must be sparingly employed, I would have them
detained no longer than is absolutely necessary. The
excuse of want of confidence in the general officers,
which has hitherto been alleged by the eastern States,
for withholding those reinforcements from the northern
army, which were expected from them, will be obviated
by the presence of Major-General Gates.
The resolves of Congress, which relate to the recruiting of the army, will have reached you before this time,
and you will have acted in consequence. By a resolve
of the 3d of August, the commanding officer of the
northern department has discretionary power to make
requisitions on the States of New Hampshire, Massachusetts Bay, Connecticut, New York, New Jersey,
and Pennsylvania. There will, therefore, be a concurrence of authority in yourself and General Gates, which
you will arrange between yourselves. I am, with great
regard, yours, &c.