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. 79
TO GOVERNOR CLINTON.
New Windsor, 21 June, 1781.
DEAR SIR,
I have just received a letter from Brigadier-General
Clinton, enclosing the examination of two prisoners
who were taken lately by one of his scouts; from
whence it appears the enemy in Canada have not
made any movements in force, or preparations for an
incursion; and indeed this intelligence corresponds so
exactly with that which has been received through
other channels, that I cannot but regret having sent
the reinforcement to the northward, at a time when
the aid of every man was so essential to the success
of the operations in contemplation.
As it will be indispensably necessary, when we advance towards the enemy's lines, to withdraw the regular force from the northward, I have thought proper to
advise General Clinton and your Excellency of it, that
provision might be made as far as practicable to replace these troops with the men engaged for the campaign and the three years' service. At the same time
that I express my unhappiness at being forced to the
measure, and assure your Excellency, that nothing but
necessity could induce me to recall the Continental
troops, I wish it may be understood, that, when the moment of operating arrives, there is not any consideration which can persuade me to counteract the plan, that
has been concerted between the Count de Rochambeau
and myself. But lest the enemy should attempt to
take advantage of their absence, to make inroads on
the frontier, in order to distract our attention and cause
a diversion in favor of their most important post, I beg
leave to recommend in the strongest terms, that every
means in your power should be made use of to guard
against such an event.