From George Washington to Major General Steuben, 18 July 1780
To Major General Steuben
Hd Qrs [Preakness, N.J.] July 18th [1780]
Dr Sir
I have received your letter of the 14th and approve the measures you are taking.
With regard to the light infantry you will see by the late General order, that I have ordered each regiment to furnish a company consisting of twenty rank and file1—This is to be increased afterwards in proportion to the strength of the regiments—This appears to me to be the best plan to begin with. I think of having regiments of eight companies, not divided into batalions, with two field officers to each—I fear we shall not be able to afford more.
We have had accounts from New York, that Greaves with six ships of the line arrived off the Hook the 13th2 yet we have received no account from Monmouth which is altogether inexplicable if he is arrived—The matter however is announced in such a form, that I fear it is true.3 I am with the greatest regard D. Baron Yr Most Obedt s.
Df, in Alexander Hamilton’s writing, DLC:GW; Varick transcript, DLC:GW.
1. See General Orders, 16 July.
3. Steuben replied to GW on 20 July from Fishkill, N.Y.: “I am favor’d with your Excellencys Letter of the 18th Instant.
“With regard to the Light Infantry I think with you that it will be best to form them into Regiments of Eight Companies, but I submit to your Excellency whether it would not also be best that the Companies should be all of the same Strength—this will not be the case if they are to be increased only in proportion to the Strength of their Regts which doubtless will differ widely—Except in Hands & Starks Brigades there are I believe no Regiments but will be able to furnish 42 Rank & file and, as each Company will form a Platoon, they cannot consistent with the regulations consist of a greater number.
“Under this Idea I have Sketchd out a Plan for their formation which I submit to your Excellencys consideration” (LS, DLC:GW).
Steuben enclosed the following undated “Plan”: “The Light Infantry to be formed into Six Regiments Each Regiment into Eight Companies & each Company to form one Platoon.
“Each Regiment to consist of a Colo. or Lt Colo., Major 8 Captains 8 Lieuts. 24 Serjts 16 Drums & fifes & 336 Rank & file.
“Each Company to consist of a Capt.; Lieut. 3 Serjts 2 Drums & fifes & 42 Rank & file.
“Exclusive of the above each Regt to have a Capt. or Subaltern for Pay & Quarter Master, a subaltern for Adjutant—a surgeon, a Mate, a serjt Major and a Quarter Master Serjeant.
“Each Company to be Kept compleat during the Campaign by the Regt which furnished it. to this the Brigade Inspector is to pay particular attention and as soon as an Officer or soldier is wanting he is to acquaint the Regiment to whom such Officer or soldier belonged with the cause of the Vacancy & request them to fill it immediately[.] The Light Companies to be supplied with every thing, but Provision & Ammunition, by their respective Regiments and the Quarter Masters of the Light Infantry are to keep Accounts with the several Regiments accordingly.
“The several Regiments to be formed in the following manner.” The first light infantry regiment would be composed of four companies each from the 1st and 2d Pennsylvania brigades. The second regiment would be composed of four companies each from the 1st and 2d Connecticut brigades. The third regiment would be composed of four companies each from the 1st and 2d Massachusetts brigades. The fourth regiment would consist of four companies each from the 3d and 4th Massachusetts brigades. The fifth regiment would be formed from four companies of the New Jersey brigade, two companies from Brig. Gen. John Stark’s brigade, and two companies from Brig. Gen. Edward Hand’s brigade. The sixth regiment of light infantry would be made up of two companies from Brig. Gen. James Clinton’s brigade, three companies from the New York state troops, and three companies from Brig. Gen. Enoch Poor’s brigade (DLC:GW).
Steuben next wrote GW on Friday, 21 July, from West Point, N.Y.: “In consequence of your direction, I have sett aside next Tuesday for drafting the Light Infantry—I have consulted with General Howe, for the purpose, and ordered, from each Regiment—thirty men with Six Sergeants; of which, I will choose Twenty men & three Serjeants, to form a Company of Infantry” (LS, DLC:GW; copy, NHi: Steuben Papers). GW replied on 24 July to Steuben’s letters of 20 and 21 July.