From George Washington to the Board of War, 6 February 1780
To the Board of War
Head Quarters Morris town 6 Feby 1780
Gentlemen
In a letter which I wrote to Congress a few days ago, I took the liberty to recommend uniting the remains of the late Count Pulaski’s legion—Colo. Armands Corps—and a small troop of Horse under the command of Capt. Bedkin.1 The whole to be under the command of Colo. Armand. Should Congress determine upon the measure—Colo. Armand wishes the Resolve, for the incorporation of the Corps, should be somewhat to the following effect—that it not being possible to promote him to the Rank of Brigadier without infringing the rights of elder Colonels—Congress, sensible of his2 services, had formed the before mentioned into a legionary Corps and appointed him to the command—This he thinks would afford a reason for the refusal of his request for promotion and would at the same time be expressive of the opinion which Congress entertain of his Merit.3
Should he be directed to repair to the southward, a number of necessaries will be wanting to equip his Horse and Foot properly for so long a march—These no doubt the Board will supply as far as lays in their power—Capt. Bedkin unfortunately lost twelve of his Horses with their Accoutrements the Night the Enemy surprized our Guard at Elizabeth Town, and had six of his Men taken and wounded4—He will therefore have occasion for a few Horses to remount part of his troop.5
It is very much my wish that the incorporation of these Corps should take place, and that as speedily as possible, that Colo. Armand may arrive in time in Carolina to take an active part in the operations which may be expected to commence early in that quarter.6 I have the honor &c.
Df, in Tench Tilghman’s writing, DLC:GW; Varick transcript, DLC:GW.
1. See GW to Samuel Huntington, 27 Jan. (second letter). In that letter, GW did not recommend the incorporation of Capt. Henry Bedkin’s troop; that text was deleted from the draft (see n.2 to that document).
2. The words “merit and” are lined out at this point on the draft.
3. The following text is crossed out at this point on the draft: “As do I do not know what has passed between Colo. Armand and Congress upon the subject, I would not wish to interfere or seem to dictate in the matter.”
4. For this attack on Bedkin’s troop of dragoons, see Moses Hazen to GW, 26–27 Jan.; see also Hazen to GW, 26 Jan. (second and third letters).
5. The following words are marked out at this point on the draft: “should they be ordered to the south Carolina.”
6. Benjamin Stoddert, the board’s secretary, replied for the board on 15 February.