From George Washington to Captain Allen McLane, 22 November 1777
To Captain Allen McLane
Head Quarters [Whitemarsh, Pa.] 22d November 1777
Sir
I have this moment received your Letter containing the Proposals of some of the Inhabitants near the Enemys Lines—I will undoubtedly accept their Offers of Service provided they give in a list of their names, and engage to be under the absolute command for the time specified of such Officer as I shall appoint—this precaution is necessary, for otherwise they may receive the Public Money without performing the Duty expected of them. I am Your humble Servt
Go: Washington
LS, in John Laurens’s writing, NHi: McLane Papers; Df, DLC:GW; Varick transcript, DLC:GW. A list written beneath GW’s letter, docketed “Return of Detachment Nov: 22. 1777,” includes the names of seven residents of Philadelphia County, Pa.: William Will, Anthony Hubert, William Wilcox, Bartholemew Grog, Jacob Paynter, William Thomas, and John Coleman.