|
|
Copy
|
[Washington to Secretary Peters.]
Head Quarters Fredericksburgh Novr 18th 1778
Sir
The Troops of the Convention, have advanced considerably
towards the North River, they will be guarded to that place
by the Militia of Connecticut and from thence to Delaware by
an Escort of Continental Troops; As I cannot with any degree
of convenience send the Continental Troops beyond Delaware,
I am under the necessity of desiring the Board to make a
requisition to the Executive Council of Pensylvania to give
orders to the County Lieutenants of Northampton, Berks,
Lancaster and York, to hold four or five Hundred of the
Militia of each of those Counties ready against they shall be
called upon by Colonel Bland of the Ist Regiment of Dragoons,
who is appointed by me to superintend the March of the Troops
the whole way The Militia of each County to march to the
extent of their own Bounds which will make the duty very
light. Be pleased likewise to desire that the Waggon Mas-
ters of each of the above Counties may be ordered to assist
the Quarter Masters who attend the Troops with Waggons
sufficient to transport the Baggage I could wish that no time
may be lost in giving the orders lest there should be some
unnecessary delay on the Road at this advanced Season I
shall be obliged to you for making the like requisition to Govr
Johnson of Maryland for an Escort of Militia and supply of
Waggons thro the County of Frederick in that State I will
give Colonel Bland directions to call for the necessary Guards
from Virginia after he has crossed the Patowmack
The Troops have hitherto come on in very good order and
with great Expedition, and I hope they will continue so to do
thro the whole way
I have the honor to be
Sir
Your most obedf servant
To George Washington
Richard Peters Esqr
|
|
