Camp Pawlins Mill 7th: October 1777
Sir
Upon Capt. Blewers representation of the importance of Red Bank I I have determined to garrison it immediately strongly with continental troops, who are now upon their march. Till they arrive I beg you will do all in your power to keep possession of the Ground, should the Enemy attempt to take it. With the Assistance of this force upon the land I hope you will be enabled to keep your Station with your fleet, and if you can do that, I have not the least doubt but we shall by our operations by land and Water oblige the Enemy to abandon Philada. I have wrote to Genl. Newcomb to assist the Garrison with as many Militia as he can spare-I am &c
P.S. I intend to send down Capt. Mauduit2 to command the Artillery. I beg you will afford him every Assistance of Cannon and Stores, and if he should want a few Men to work the Guns, I beg he may have such as have been used to it. I think you should not lose one Moment in possessing the Ground at Red Bank—
Df, DLC, George Washington Papers, Series 4. Addressed at foot of page: "Commodore Hazelwood." Docketed: "7th: Octobr. 1777/to/Commodore Hazelwood."
1. The site of Fort Mercer.
2. Thomas-Antoine Chevalier de Mauduit Du Plessis, Captain, Continental Artillery. Du Plessis commanded the artillery at Fort Mercer. In January of 1778 Congress granted Du Plessis a brevet promotion to the rank of lieutenant colonel in recognition of his gallant service at Mercer in October and November of 1777.