From George Washington to Lieutenant Colonel Anthony Walton White, 1 August 1777
To Lieutenant Colonel Anthony Walton White
Head Quarters Wilmington 1 August 1777.
Sir
A Letter just received from Brigadier General Maxwell informs me of the desertion of one of your light horse1—this disagreeable Circumstance will naturally put you upon your guard; but I desire that you will farther make very particular Scrutiny into the Characters of your men and if you shall find any more suspicious ones among them—that you will immediately dismount them and order them to Head Quarters—the Loss of a worthless Soldier will occasion less regret, when it is not accompanied with that of a Horse and Accoutrements. ⟨I⟩ am Sir Your most obedt hble Servt
Go: Washington
LS, in Alexander Hamilton’s writing, NNGL. The text in angle brackets is mutilated.
1. GW apparently is referring to Brig. Gen. William Maxwell’s letter to him of 28 July, which has not been found (see GW to Maxwell, 30 July, and note 1).