WASHINGTON, George (1732-1799). Letter signed ("Go:Washington") to Jean Baptiste Gouvion, West Point, 24 October 1779.

One page, 307 x 185mm, body of text in the hand of Tench Tilghman (light soiling and dampstains). With integral transmittal leaf addressed in Tilghman's hand and bearing Washignton's franking signature ("Go:Washington").

On the refortification of Stony Point. Writing to Gouvion (1747-1792) a French volunteer who entered the Continental Army as a major of engineers in 1777, Washington directs the officer's attention to the matter of Stony Point, which the British had recently evacuated: "As some small works will be necessary to secure the communication at Kings Ferry, I shall be glad to have your opinion on the subject. Be pleased therefore to return to Head Quarters after you have left the proper instructions for making the Facines with General Howes division." Gouvion was responsible for the planning and construction of many of the fortifications at West Point as well as for the redoubt at Verplank's Point as well as significant repairs to Fort Schuyler. He later served at Yorktown under Duportail. He returned to France in 1783 and in 1792 was killed in action at Maubeuge while serving under Lafayette. For additional letters concerning Gouvion, see lots 153, 154 and 155.