From George Washington to Colonel Elisha Sheldon, 31 May 1779
To Colonel Elisha Sheldon
Head Qrs Middle brook May 31st 1779.
Sir
Having received intelligence that the enemy are advancing to the white plains1—& other appearances indicating a capital manœuvre in that Quarter you will put such part of your Regiment as are mounted immediately in motion for the Posts on the North River and obey such orders as you shall receive from Majr General McDougal or the Officer commanding there, (Majr Genl Putnam being designed for a Comd in this part of the Army).2 I am Sir Yr very Hble Ser.
G. W——n
ADfS, DLC:GW; Varick transcript, DLC:GW.
1. See John Neilson to GW, 30 May.
2. GW had written to Sheldon on 29 May: “An opportunity of writing to you by Colonel Webb presenting itself I have to request, that you will hold your Regiment in readiness to take the field upon the shortest notice” (Df, in Robert Hanson Harrison’s writing, DLC:GW).