From George Washington to Francis Van Dyke, 10 July 1780
To Francis Van Dyke
Head Quarters [Preakness, N.J.] 10th July 1780
Sir
I have recd yours of the 22d 28th and 29th [of] last month1—the intelligence contained in the two latter is very vague and uncertain, and so far as respects the Enemys ships of War at New York, exceedingly incorrect—If you cannot open a correspondence with the person in New York, it will not answer my purpose2—for I can every day hear the Stories of ignorant people who come out and only bring such information as the enemy propagate with intent to decieve us—I have sent you three Guineas by the Bearer—& beg you will exert yourself in endeavouring to obtain intelligence from M.3 I am &ca.
Df, in Tench Tilghman’s writing, DLC:GW; Varick transcript, DLC:GW.
1. These letters have not been found.
2. For the direction to Van Dyke to open communication with a spy in New York City, see GW to Van Dyke, 17 June, Document VIII in Intelligence Operations in the New York City Area, 17 May–24 June 1780, editorial note; see also Document IV in that editorial note.
3. On the draft, GW wrote the previous thirteen words and the close. The identity of the spy “M” has not been established.