George Washington Papers

To George Washington from Colonel George Baylor, 26 February 1777

From Colonel George Baylor

Fredricksburg [Va.] Feby 26th 1777.

dear Sir

I am a few days retur[ne]d from the Southward, where I have a prospect of geting my horses.

As the Quarter Master of this department is unwilling to Let me have any thing for the use of the Regiment, I should be glad to know of you, and have your instructions to him, for what we are to be allowed; is it not reasonable that the Men should be firnished with a Sute of Clothes? that is a Coat, waistcoat, a Pr of Breeches, a Shirt, one Pr of Stocking and Shoes; and also a Cloak, Cap, Boots and Spurs; or what part you think proper to direct; If the Men are obliged to pay for these things, it will take nearly their years wagers. My Officers are all out Recruting, some of them have got a few men, but I find it slow and tediout work. Capt. Smith of Baltimore informes me that he has inlisted most of his men, and will be at this place in a little time with them, Pore little Stark was carried off the stage by the smallpox, and I have oppointed to that vacancy Mr John Baylor of King and Queen, a pretty youth.1 Capt. Fontain has resign’d his recruting instructions, not having the least prospect of geting his men, and am happy in having it in my power to offer it to a Brother of my Friend & Lewise’s Mr Fielding Lewis, who George informes me is very desireous of entering into our Corps. Nothing Sir wo’d give me so much pleasure as to be able at this instant to join you, and be assured that I will exert myself, to get the Men and Horses together, that they may be traind, so as to render you some Service, when we shall arrive. If it is not disagreeable to you, I should be happy to call my Regiment after your name, by way of disttincion from the others. I shall not be able to get Carbines here, the Swords and Some of the Pistols, will be made at Mr Hunters. I am with much Respect Dear Sr your Obt Hbl. Servt

George Baylor

P.S. Colo. Lewis and his Family are well—I am desired by Lieut Collo. Nelson to express to you, his great desire of entering into the Cavalry, he askes only for a Lieutenant Colonels commission, and I think I can say with propriety that there is not a man on the continent more capable of the command of a Regiment of Horse than himself.2 Yr Hble servant

G. Baylor

ALS, DLC:GW. A note on the cover indicates that this letter was carried to GW by Baylor’s cornet, Henry Clements.

1John Baylor (d. 1788), who was Baylor’s second cousin and who is often confused with Baylor’s older brother John (1750–1808), was a lieutenant in the King and Queen County, Va., militia before being commissioned a lieutenant in George Baylor’s 3d Continental Dragoons. He was promoted to captain in 1780.

2William Nelson (1746–1807), who was a son of Thomas Nelson, Sr., of Yorktown, the secretary of the Virginia colony from 1743 to 1776, was appointed major of the 7th Virginia Regiment in January 1776. He was promoted to lieutenant colonel in October 1776 and from October to December 1777 he served as colonel of the 8th Virginia Regiment. Nelson is often confused with his first cousin, William Nelson, Jr. (1754–1813), a captain in the 7th Virginia who succeeded Nelson as major in October 1776 and was promoted to lieutenant colonel in March 1777 (see General Orders, 22 Mar. 1777).

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