George Washington at “Head Quarters, Dobbs Ferry”

Sunday, July 8, 1781 In his Diary, Washington wrote that he “began a Work at Dobb’s ferry with a view to establish a communication there for the transportation of provision and Stores from Pennsylvania.” A working party was dispatched to Dobb’s ferry to erect fortifications under the direction of Lt. Col. Gouvion, one of the French engineers who had come to the US in 1777 to volunteer their services to the Continental Army. With Dayton guarding the western terminus of the ferry and the route from Philadelphia, and Sheldon’s dragoons to provide communication eastward into Connecticut and northward towards West Point, supplies and messages could move throughout the area. To his friend Theodorick Bland, Congressman from Virginia, he detailed these activities, “I am about establishing a Communication at Dobbs' Ferry with a view of shortning my transportation from Pensylvania,” urging him to convince Congress to send a “Corps of Riflemen” up from Philadelphia quickly. “It is with much pain and mortification I inform you that the recruits for the regular Battalions come in very slow, that I begin to despr., not only of seeing them full, but even respectable, and what dependence is to be placed in my requisition for Militia I am unable, at this moment, to form an opinion.” On July 8, Washington reviewed the French troops and Rochambeau reviewed the Continental forces. “Those brave people,” wrote Baron von Closen, one of the French officers, “it really pained us to see, almost naked, with mere linen vests and trousers, most of them without stockings; but, would you believe it? looking very healthy and in the best of spirits.” He continued, “I am full of admiration for the American troops. It is unbelievable that troops composed of men of all ages, even of children of fifteen, of blacks and whites, all nearly naked, without money, poorly fed, should walk so well and stand the enemy’s fire with such firmness. The calmness of mind and the clever combinations of General Washington, in whom I discover every day new eminent qualities, are already enough known, and the whole universe respects and admires him. Certain it is that he is admirable at the head of his army, every member of which considers him as his friend and father.” Another officer, Clermont-Crèvecœur had a similar description, “I went to the American camp, that contained approximately 4,000 men. In beholding this army, I was struck, not by its smart appearance, but by its destitution: the men were without uniforms and covered with rags, most of them were barefoot. They were of all sizes, down to children who could not have been over fourteen. There were many negroes, mulattos, etc. Only their artillerymen were wearing uniforms. These are the very elite of the country and are actually very good troops, well schooled in their profession. We had nothing but praise for them later . . . I returned, following the generals of the French army, who looked quite different and much more glamorous.”