A letter from Gen. George Washington to Col. Elias Dayton, July 24, 1780. An officer in the New Jersey Militia and Continental Army, Dayton also provided intelligence garnered through human sources. This letter expresses Washington’s concern not only over troop emplacement, but also his desire to ensure continuity of intelligence operations through Dayton’s son*, Jonathan: “But before you set off I wish you to leave such directions with your son as will enable him to carry on the train of intelligence you are now engaged in."
Head Quarters Colo. Deys [Preakness, N.J.] July 24th 1780
From Gen. George Washington to Col. Elias Dayton
Sir,
I have been for some days past under apprehensions for the safety of your Regiment. It is certainly too much exposed in its present position. I therefore desire that you will be pleased to remove it some distance into the Country where it may be less exposed & yet answer the purposes for which it was sent into the neighbourhood of Elizabeth Town. When you have given the necessary orders for this purpose you will proceed to Head Quarters. But before you set off I wish you to leave such directions with your Son as will enable him to carry on the train of intelligence you are now engaged in.
I am yr. mo. obt. st.
G. Washington
NB The Flag Boats should also be well attended to, to prevt abuses. GW
Colo Dayton
*It appears to me that West Farms will be a good position as I observed in my letter of the 10th
HISTORICAL ANALYSIS:
"The Flag Boats should also be well attended to, to prevt abuses." refers to the vessels operating under flags of truce at Elizabeth Town Point. These maritime links were frequently exploited by adversarial networks and opportunists for smuggling, unauthorized communication, and espionage. By moving Dayton's main regiment inland to West Farms, Washington preserved the security of the force while maintaining targeted oversight of the coastal flag-of-truce traffic to mitigate the risk of British intelligence penetration.