George Washington Papers

From George Washington to Colonel Evan or William Evans, 27 August 1777

To Colonel Evan or William Evans

Wilmington [Del.] 27th Augt 1777

Sir

After the Men of your own, Colo. Hunters and Colo. Udrees Battalions have refreshed them selves you are to march them to Christiana Bridge—and there halt till further orders.1

You are to get your Men as well covered as the Situation of the place will admit of, and always keep them near their quarters, that they may be ready to move at a moments warning.

As most of the Men in this County have left their families at home and turned out in a spirited Manner in defence of their Country, it is hoped that the Troops under your command will not in the least injure their property by destroying their Fences, Corn, or Fruit. I am &c.

G.W.

P.S. Your Ammunition is to be inspected to see if injured by the Rain, and the Arms kept in good Order.

Df, in Tench Tilghman’s writing, DLC:GW; Varick transcript, DLC:GW.

Evan Evans (1732–1794) and William Evans (1712–1783) had been colonels respectively of the 2d and 4th Regiments of Chester County, Pa., militia since May 1777. To which of these officers GW was writing in this letter has not been determined.

1Daniel Hunter (1742–1783) and Daniel Udree (1751–1828) commanded respectively the 1st and 2d Regiments of Berks County, Pa., militia. Hunter had been paymaster of the Berks County militia until 26 Aug. when he was relieved of that duty at his own request. Hunter served as a member of the Pennsylvania general assembly 1777–78 and 1781–82. Udree, owner of Oley furnace in Berks County, served as colonel of the 2d Regiment from May 1777 to February 1781. He was a member of the Pennsylvania legislature 1799–1805 and the U.S. Congress 1813–1815 and 1820–1825. During the War of 1812 Udree served as major general of the 6th Pennsylvania Division.

Index Entries