From George Washington to Colonel Stephen Moylan, 28 June 1779
To Colonel Stephen Moylan
[New Windsor, 28 June 1779]
Sir
When you have crossed the North River with your regiment you will proceed to the neighbourhood of Bedford where Col. Sheldons horse and a few Light Infantry are stationed—these you will take under your command.
The purposes of this command are to protect the Country and inhabitants give countenance to the Militia, & as far as it lies in your power1 gain intelligence of the enemy’s force, movements & designs, of which you will give me the most punctual information.
I leave it to your own judgment from an examination of the Country & according to circumstances to take a position that will best answer these purposes consistent with the security & accommodation of your troops.
Col. Armand’s corps I intend to order down who will also be under your command.2 Given at Hd Qrs June 28th 1779.3
Go: Washington
LS, in Richard Kidder Meade’s writing, NjP: deCoppet Collection; Df, DLC:GW; Varick transcript, DLC:GW. The draft manuscript and Varick transcript both are dated 28 June 1779.
1. GW inserted this word in his own writing.
2. See GW to Armand, this date.
3. Meade inadvertently wrote “1778” on the manuscript.