Original Document

The Writings of George Washington from the Original Manuscript Sources, 1745-1799. John C. Fitzpatrick, Editor.
Head Quarters, October 31, 1777.
Sir: As soon as the Schuylkill is fordable, I shall send over a large body of Militia to you, for the purpose of executing some particular matters. The principal are, to endeavour to break up the Road, by which the Enemy have a communication with their Shipping over the Islands, if it is practicable and to remove the running Stones from the Mills in the Neighbourhood of Chester and Wilmington. This last, I would have you undertake immediately with your present force, as I have information that the Enemy are about making a Detachment to Wilmington, probably with an intent to take post there, and secure the use of the Mills. To execute this matter at once, you should impress a sufficient number of Waggons for the purpose, without letting any person know what they are for, and send them under good Officers with Sufficient parties to the following Mills. Lloyd's about two Miles on this side of Chester. Shaw's about one Mile back of Chester. Robinson's on Naamans Creek and the Brandywine Mills. If there are any others that I have not mentioned, contiguous to the River, they are also to be dismounted. Many of the Mills have spare runners, they must also be removed. The stones should be marked with Tar and Grease or in some other manner, that it may be known to what Mills they belong, that they may be returned and made use of in future. And they should be moved to such distance, that the Enemy cannot easily recover them. If there is any Flour in the Mills, it should be removed, if possible, after the Stones are secured. I am informed that there is a considerable quantity in Shaw's particularly, which there is reason to believe is intended for the Enemy. It is very convenient to the navigation to Chester Creek and should therefore be first taken care of. I beg you may instantly set about this work for the reason before mentioned. That no previous alarm may be given, let a certain day and a certain hour be fixed upon for the execution of the whole at one time, and even the Officers, who are to do the Business, should not know their destination till just before they set out, lest it should take wind.
I have yours of yesterday afternoon and am glad to hear that the flood has done so much damage to the meadows, endeavour by all means to keep the breaches open. When the party that I mentioned in the former part of my letter gets down, I hope you will be able to break up the dykes effectually. I am &ca.
P.S. I have desired Capt. Lee4 of the light Horse to give you any assistance that you may want.5
[Note 4: Capt. Henry ("Light Horse Harry") Lee.]
[Note 5: The draft is in the writing of Tench Tilghman.]
*** George Washington to James Potter, October 31, 1777 – Transcription



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