1From George Washington to Richard Peters, 20 June 1777 (Washington Papers)
I am favd with yours of the 16th. The Spears have come to hand, and are very handy and will be usefull to the Rifle Men. But they would be more conveniently carried if they had a sling fixed to them, they should also have a spike in the But end to fix them in the Ground and they would then serve as a rest for the Rifle. The Iron plates which fix the Spear head to the shaft should be at least...