To George Washington from Colonel Stephen Moylan, 2 June 1778
From Colonel Stephen Moylan
Trenton [N.J.] 2d June 1778
Dear Sir
Lt Colonel White deliverd me the inclosed1 and at the Same time informd me that there was a Large quantity of flour in a Store at Brunswick designed for the prisoners, which Lays exposed to the mercy of the enemy, the Shalop which was employed to carry it to New york is also full, having been Sent back with her Cargo, the Commanding Officer2 declareing that no intercourse whatsoever will be admitted, until General Winds delivers up a deserter from one of the Jersey Batallions who Came out under the Sanction of a flag.
Mr Moore3 has instructions to Call on General Green with an officer from each of the other Regiments to Select Such horses, as are fit for the Cavalry, out of those purchasd by the State of Pensilvania, he is also to proceed to Baltimore, in order to forward the Arms, and Sadlery preparing there, for this last purpose it will be absolutely necessary, that he Shoud be furnishd either with money or a Credit on that State, the great want of these necessary articles in the Brigade, obliges me to trouble your Excellency on this occasion, and to request that you will Supply him. I have the honor to be Dear Sir your most ob. H. Servant
Stephen Moylan
ALS, DLC:GW. The letter is docketed “Ansd,” but no reply has been found.
1. The enclosed letter of 28 May from Andrew Brown at Middletown Point, N.J., to Lt. Col. Anthony Walton White at New Brunswick reads: “By Coll Holmes who will Deliver you this you will hear of the Misfortune that has hapned at this Place by the Enemy, They have Destroyd by fire one Mill & three Store houses in which there was about one hundred & fifty barrels flour, some wheat & Corn for the use of the Prisoners but Cant tell Exactly what Quantity of Each as Mr Burrowes who had the account of it is Carried off by them—I dont know whether the boat & flower thats in her will be safe here would be glad of your advice whether Brunswick or South river would not be more Suitable I would be glad you wou’d Let Mr Boudinot know it as Soon as Possible” (DLC:GW).
2. The commandant of New York from May to June 1778 was Maj. Gen. Daniel Jones; see also Horatio Gates to GW, 9 June, n.2.
3. The docket indicates that this letter was carried “by Mr Moore,” apparently Nicholas Ruxton Moore (1756–1816) of Baltimore, who had been appointed a third lieutenant in Capt. John Fulford’s Company of Matrosses in March 1776, became a second lieutenant in Capt. Nathaniel Smith’s Company of Matrosses in July 1776, and was promoted to first lieutenant in December 1776. He was appointed a second lieutenant in the 4th Continental Dragoons in February 1777 and later became a first lieutenant. His commission as captain in the same unit was backdated to March 1778. Moore resigned in December 1778 but was appointed captain of a company of Maryland cavalry militia in July 1780. He was a delegate to the U.S. Congress from 1803 to 1811.