A Year With George Washington
On March 29, 1777, General George Washington wrote to Elisha Boudinot, an attorney from Newark, New Jersey, who was part of his extensive spy network. Only General Dwight D. Eisenhower would rival Washington for the depth and breadth of his covert undertakings. Boudinot kept Washington informed of the activity of the British vessels in New York Harbor. After the war, Boudinot would serve as justice on the New Jersey Supreme Court.
Below is a short but revealing letter demonstrating Washington’s efforts in covert affairs:
To Elisha Boudinot From George Washington
Head Quarters Morris Town 29th March 1777
Dear Sir
I recd yours of this day and am much obliged to you for the pains you have been at to obtain intelligence.
I highly approve of your plan to gain more, and enclose you a Sketch of such Matters as it will be proper for your Spy to report to deceive the Enemy. If he can do us no harm by reporting what is intrusted to him—You may add what you please, only taking care to keep a Copy and send it to me, that if any other person should go in upon the same Errand, he may carry the same Tale—Inclosed you have a Blank Pass which you may fill up. I am Sir Yr obliged humble Servt
Go: Washington
