This Day in History: April 17

That the Enemy are upon the point of opening the Campaign can scarce admit of a doubt—where, or in what manner, is yet uncertain; it behooves us however to be as well prepard as possible, & keep every thing in such order as to move at an hours warning—one step towards this is, to have the number of our Posts reduced—the Men drawn a little more compactly together—and Scouts to supply the places of Stationary Guards, along the Enemys Lines—By this means we shall have it more in our power to move quick; shall be less liable to surprizes; and can give aid much quicker than in cases where Men upon any alarm, or Movement of the Enemy are to be assembled from several different Posts, at a distance from each other. [More]