Note (110) — GENERAL WASHINGTON’S SPIES
Reading edition
George Washington to Major Talmadge.
“New Windsor, June 27th, 1779.
“Sir, Your letter of yesterday came safe to my hand, and by the Dragoon who was the bearer of it I send you Ten guineas for C——r.—His successor (whose name I have no desire to be informed of provided his intelligence is good, and seasonably transmitted) should endeavour to hit upon some certain mode of conveying his information quickly, for it is of little avail to be told of things after they have become matter of public notoriety, and known to every body.—This new agent should communicate his signature and the private marks by which genuine papers are to be distinguished from counterfeits.—There is a man on York Island living on or near the North River, of the name of George Higday who I am told hath given signal proofs of his attachment to us, and at the same time stands well with the enemy. If upon enquiry this is found to be the case (and much caution should be used in investigating the matter, as well on his own account as on that of Higday) he will be a fit instrument to convey intelligence to me while I am on the west side of the North River, as he is enterprizing & connected with people in Bergen County who will assist in forming a chain to me in any manner they shall agree on.
“I do not know who H—— employs, but from H—— I obtain intelligence, and his name and business should be kept profoundly secret, otherwise we not only lose the benefits desired from it, but may subject him to some unhappy fate....
“I wish you to use every method in your power through H—— and others, to obtain information of the enemy’s situation—and as far as it is to be come at, designs. C——r speaks of the Enemy’s force up the River as now exceeding 8000 men, but as I know he is mistaken if he comprehends their whole force I should be glad if his successor was cautioned against giving positive numbers by guess.—this is deceptions—let him ascertain the particular Corps which can be no difficult matter to do, & he will soon by taking a little pains, indirectly come at the strength of them and where they lie.
“I am Sir with esteem and regard, Yr. very H. Servt.
“Go. Washington.”