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. 59
the misfortune of the day, I am happy to find the troops
in good spirits; and I hope another time we shall compensate for the losses now sustained. The Marquis de
Lafayette was wounded in the leg,* and General Woodford in the hand; divers other officers were wounded,
and some slain; but the numbers of either cannot now
be ascertained. I have the honor to be, &c.
P. S. It has not been in my power to send you
earlier intelligence, the present being the first leisure
moment I have had since the action.t
TO THE PRESIDENT OF CONGRESS.
Head-Quarters, Germantown, 13 September, 177'7.
SIR,
I have been honored with your favor of this date.
I heartily wish the works on the Delaware were completed; but I think, and in this opinion my officers
concur, that the service will be injured if any part of
the Continental troops were now to be employed about
them. If we should be able to oppose General Howe
with success in the field, the works will be unnecessary; if not, and he should force us from hence, he will
certainly possess himself of them. But, to prevent his
attempting it now, I have directed the meadows on
Province Island to be overflowed immediately, and any
other grounds that may be thought necessary for that
purpose. The works have been more particularly made
under the direction of Monsieur Ducoudray, and I doubt
not he will pay every attention to their completion and
security, that the situation of affairs will admit. A part
of the militia under General Armstrong will be posted
~ See APPENDIX, NO. I. i APPENDIX, No. IIL