George Washington Papers
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https://founders.archives.gov/documents/Washington/03-09-02-0515

From George Washington to Colonel Elisha Sheldon, 24 May 1777

To Colonel Elisha Sheldon

Head Quarters Morris Town May 24th 1777.

Sir

When you were at this place some time since, you assured me, that I might expect to see you and your Regiment at Camp about a fortnight thence. I must confess I did not entertain the least Suspicion, after this assurance, that so long a space would have elapsed, and that at the end of it the event would be as remote for any thing I should know, as ever. I find myself utterly at a loss to conceive the reasons of your delay, and silence as to what you are doing and when you will be really in a condition to take the field. It is high time it should be done, and I hope very soon to hear of your being at Peeks Kill, where it is my desire you should stop and advise me of your coming; and I shall give you directions, whether to proceed with the whole or any part of your Regiment, or to remain at that post. I should be glad you would, on the receipt of this, send me an accurate return of your Regiment and a list of the pay of the cavalry, according to the arrangement indorsed on your instructions.1 I am Sir Your most Obedt Servt.2

Varick transcript, DLC:GW.

GW wrote Maj. Gen. Israel Putnam on this date: “I have written to Colo: Sheldon desiring him to hasten on to Peeks Kill, with his Regiment, and immediately on his arrival to inform me of it, and to wait further orders. I mention this lest my letter should miss him on his way to your post, for he ought to have been there before this, in which case, you will advise me of his coming, and receive my further directions as to his destination” (DLC:GW).

1See Orders to Lieutenant Colonel Elisha Sheldon, 16 Dec. 1776, and note 2.

2Although the name “A. Hamilton A.D.C.” appears on the signature line of the manuscript, the context of the letter indicates that it is from GW rather than from Hamilton.

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