Baylor, George, Continental Colonel

Autograph letter signed ("George Baylor") and initialed "G B"), 2 1/4 pages, integral address leaf ( 8 3/4 x 6 7/8 in.; 220 x 173 mm), Taupon [Tappan, New York], 17 September 1778, to Major Alexander Clough at HackingSack [Hackensack, New Jersey], advising him that he should be on his guard and ready to move his regiment of light dragoons at a moment's notice; some staining, seal tear  to address leaf not affecting text or address. Light red moire folding case, blue marbled paper affixed to boards, blue morocco spine, red morocco lettering pieces.

A chilling harbinger of Baylor's Massacre. Baylor writes to his second in command with foreboding: "After leaving you yesterday I seriously reflected on your situation and the probability of the Enemys paying you a visit, which we may reasonably suppose if they have a sparke of enterprising spirit left. Our Army laying at White Plains took up their whole attension, that being remov'd, leser objects will attract their notice. It will be necessary for you to be on your guard and also think it necessary that the Regement should be ready to march at the smallest notice. I think it will be prudent to have the mens pads and valies kept to their saddles, particularly at night."

On 28 September 1778, Lt. Col. George Baylor's 3rd Regiment of Continental Dragoons took shelter for the night on several nearby farms in what is now River Vale, New Jersey. Tories betrayed their presence to General "No Flint" Grey' who surprised Baylor's troops.  Brooking no quarter Grey ordered the Americans killed even after they had surrendered. The dead were thrown into vats at a nearby tannery; the wounded were taken to the Tappan Dutch Reformed Church a few miles north over the New York border. There Major Alexander Clough died. Baylor received a bayonet wound in the lung and was captured, but was later able to rejoin the Continental forces. Baylor never completely recovered from his injuries, and following the end of the war in 1783 he journeyed to Barbados to regain his health. However, he continued to weaken and died there in 1784.