TRANSCRIPT GLC 2437.05.145

George Washington. Letter copy: New Windsor, to the Board of War, 1781 February 19. 2 p. + doc.

Head Quarters New Windsor 19 Feby 1781

[inserted – different hand: Board of War from Washington]

Gentlemen

I have directed General Knox to have prepar’d at Philadelphia with as much expedition as possible a service battering train. he informs me that he shall send [strike-out] Colo Stevens to [struck: Phila] Philadelphia for this purpose – [struck: I agree] [inserted: I beg the favor] that you will [struck: be] afford evry assistce to Lt Colonel Stevens whith he means you may possess [struck: can] will admit according to kind [struck: directions] [inserted: orders] given [strike-out] by Genl Knox – [struck: In the inspection] [2] [struck: This matter must] be kept as secret [struck: as possible - ]

The success of the expedition for which this apparatus is design’d [struck: will] may probably depend upon the secrecy [struck: with <?>] of the preparations in Philadelphia

I have the honor [struck: Gentlemen]

[struck: to be] To be your

most [struck: Obedient]

Humble Servant

The Honorable

The board War & Ordnance

[docket]

From

Gen Washington to the

Board of War –

19 Feby 1781.