From George Washington to William Stephens Smith, 19 November 1782

Sir	Head Quarters Newburgh Novr 19. 1782

In conducting the common business, at the Post of Dobbs’ Ferry (of which you have the superintendance), You will cause the Orders & Regulations contained in the several written Instructions which will be delivered to you by the present commanding Officer, to be duly attended to & observed—but I have thought it necessary to give you this private Instruction, hereby authorizing you to take such farther Measures for reconnoitring the Enemy’s Posts & obtaining Intelligence as you, in your discretion shall think adviseable, taking care to mask your real designs, & to use all the prudence & ability you are possessed of, to accomplish the business I have particularly committed to your Management.

DLC: Papers of George Washington.

This early access document derives from raw transcriptions, prior to editing and publication in Rotunda's American History Collection. If this document is cited in formal research, it should be noted that it is not a final version, and that the URL you used to access it is not permanent.
Please report any errors or problems you notice in documents.