1From George Washington to Colonel William Malcolm, 17 September 1777 (Washington Papers)
I have been favourd with your Two Letters of the 13th & 14th Instants. At present, the situation of our Affairs will not justifie any of the Independt Companies being attached to your Regiment, whatever may be the case in future; And having regard to the public interest and knowing the small prospect there is of raising of Men at this crisis, I do not think myself authorized to commission...