From George Washington to Brigadier General Charles Scott, 24 June 1778
To Brigadier General Charles Scott
[Hopewell, N.J., 24 June 1778]
Sir,
You are immediately to march with the detachment, under your command towards Allen Town, in order to fall in with the enemy’s left flank and rear, and give them all the annoyance in your power. You will carefully collect intelligence as you advance and govern your motions accordingly; and you will take every precaution for the security of your detachment consistent with the objects it is intended to promote. You will cooperate as far as may be proper with the other troops in the neighbourhood of the enemy. You will keep me continually and punctually advised of every occurrence, that happens, either with respect to the enemy, or yourself.1 Given at Head Quarters Hopewell Township in Jersey’s June 24th 1778.
Go: Washington
Lt Col: White is ordered to join you with the detachment of Cavalry under his command.
Df, in Alexander Hamilton’s writing, DLC:GW; Varick transcript, DLC:GW.
1. For the origin of these orders, see Council of War, this date. Lt. Col. Henry Dearborn of the 3d New Hampshire Regiment wrote in his diary on this date: “a Detatchment of 1500 Pick’d men was taken to Day from the army to be Commanded by Brigadier Genrl. Scot who are to act as Light Infantry Dureing the stay of the Enimy in Jersey. Colo. Cilley & I am in one Regt. of the Light Infantry—Genrl. Scot march’d to Day towards the Enimy, who are at Allin Town 14 miles from Prince Town, we march’d thro Prince Town & Proceeded 3 miles towards allin Town & Incamp’d we have no Tents or baggage” (, 124).