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.

PART II.] THE AMERICAN REVOLUTION. 139
to prevent their detaching to reinforce their southern
army, or to harass the inhabitants on the seacoast.
The redoubt on the east side of Dobbs's Ferry is to
be dismantled and demolished, and the platforms to be
taken up and transported up the river, if it can conveniently be done. The blockhouse on the other side
is to be maintained, or evacuated and destroyed, as you
shall think proper. The water-guards and other precautions to prevent a surprise, you will be pleased to
take into consideration, and regulate in such a manner
as you shall judge most expedient. You will be pleased, also, to keep me regularly advised of every important event, which shall take place in your department.
Given under my hand at Head-Quarters, this 19th day
of August, 1781.
TO COUNT DE ROCHAMBEAU.
King's Ferry, 21 August, 1781.
SIR,
I have this moment the honor of your letter by Monsieur Blanchard. I am very sorry for the difficulties
and impediments, which fall in the way of your march,
and hope they will decrease as you proceed. I have
the pleasure to inform your Excellency, that my troops
arrived at the Ferry yesterday, and began to pass the
river at ten o'clock in the morning, and by sunrise of
this day they were all completely on this side of the
river. I hope your army will be enabled to cross with
the same facility when they arrive.
I have no news worthy of communicating from any
quarter. I shall be happy in your company to-morrow
at dinner at my quarters, and will meet you at the
ferry to-morrow by eight o'clock, when we will either