June 27, 1779 -- George Washington to Benjamin Tallmadge (Page 1 of 3, public)
From the Clinton Collection
 

New Windsor June 27th, 1779 / Sir, / I observe what you say respecting /your position at Bedford--and the fatigue / of the horse--with regard to the first, when / Bedford was pointed out, it was descriptive / only of a central place between the two Rivers / and as near the enemy as you could with / military prudence take post for the purpose / of [covering] the inhabitants, and preventing the / ravages of small parties. The judgment / of the officer commanding, is, under the / idea just [captured], to direct the [practices]. / [Sport] and choice of ground which ought to be / varied continually, while you re near / enough to the enemy to give assistance to / the people.--With respect to the second / matter I have only to add that I do not / wish to have the horse unnecessarily esc[-] / posed, or fatigued, but if in the discharge / of accustomed duties they should get worn /down, there is no help for it.-Col. Maylans / Regiment is on its march to join you, which / will render the duty [carrier] and Your Troops / there more respectable.-- / The inclosed contains matter for our knowledge only.- / I am Sir- / Your Mo. Respect. [Servant] / Gon. Washington  Page 1 | 2 | 3

See the Story: The Culper Gang

See the Method: Captured Letter

See the Timeline: 1779