From George Washington to William Lightfoot, 26 June 1757
To William Lightfoot
[Fort Loudoun, 26 June 1757]
By George Washington Esqre Colonel of the Virginia Regiment, and Commander of the Virginia Forces
You are with the Militia under your command, to march from hence to Back-Creek, and carefully range it quite down to its mouth. From thence you are to march to New-kirks fort where, and in its neighbourhood, you are to remain ’till further Orders.1 You are to maintain strict discipline among your men; and when you are in Garrison, to place Sentries at proper places by day and by night. In your marches and counter marches, you are to be very circumspect; to keep a few alert woods’ men always advanced before, and on your flanks; and use every precaution to prevent surprizes: as you have to deal with a cunning dextrous enemy.
You are not to indulge your men in idleness, but keep them constantly on the scout, as the most effectual means of answering the desirable end expected from you, that of protecting the distressed Inhabitants.
Shou’d you discover certains signs of any large Body of the Enemy being near to you—you are instantly to inform Mr Pearis,2 and Captn Minor of it. You are likewise to inform me of all material occurrencies. Given at Fort Loudoun, this 26th day of June, 1757.
G:W.
Orders for Capt. Lightfoot
LB, DLC:GW.
William Lightfoot was in command of the contingent of militia sent up to Winchester from Culpeper County. See GW to Robert Slaughter, 21 June 1757.
1. Back Creek flows north into the Potomac west of North Mountain. “New-kirks fort” was perhaps the house of Bennett Newkirk whose will was dated 1765 in Frederick County. Newkirk’s fort was near the Potomac River and a few miles from Patterson’s fort.
2. Mr. Pearis is probably Capt. Robert Pearis of the Frederick County militia.