George Washington to James Ewing, 14 December 1776

On December 14, 1776, George Washington sent this letter to Brigadier General James Ewing at Trenton Ferry. Concerned about a possible British advance across the Delaware River, Washington provides strategies for the defense of the troops. Ewing is to spare no expense to procure a spy to send across the river to learn the location and movements of the enemy. Ewing not only obeyed Washington's instructions, but began raiding the British. George Lewis transcribed the majority of this letter; however Washington added the final paragraphs in his own hand. A copy notes this letter circulated to Mercer, Stephen, and Stirling.

Purchase, 1913 [W-438]