George Washington Papers
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https://founders.archives.gov/documents/Washington/03-09-02-0581

From George Washington to Major General John Sullivan, 1 June 1777

To Major General John Sullivan

Middle Brook 1st June 1777

Dear Sir

In consequence of your representation I yesterday detatched Lt Colo. Barber with 150 Men and some Horse to Sommerset Court House.1

I wish you would use your endeavours to encourage the Militia between Brunswic and the Delaware to be ready to assemble and give their Assistance provided the Enemy attempt to march thro’ the Country, which they intend to do from all our late Accounts. The inclosed I recd from Genl Lincoln this morning.2

I have information that the Enemy have cloathed some of their light Horse in Green I suppose with intent to deceive us, of this our Officers commanding scouting parties and those at advanced posts should be advised.

I most earnestly desire that you may keep no more provision or Baggage at princetown than is absolutely necessary and that you may always have Carriages ready to carry off that and your Tents at a Moments warning, that you may be intirely disincumbered and ready to act offensively or defensively as occasion may require. I dont know what means you will fall upon to collect the Militia, or if they can be prevailed upon to take an active part, what signal you will fix upon for them to assemble. But I think if they will only agree to fall upon the flanks of the Enemy upon their march in small parties without any regular order they may harrass and impede them very much. They may be informed that the people in this part of the State have acted with great Spirit since our Army has been drawn into closer compass. There are now 300 Militia assembled at Newark, 200 at Elizabeth Town and 200 at Raway which is more than we could ever get out when our Army covered the Country and was ready to assist them.3

I have given Colo. Barber orders to keep out good Scouts and to give you immediate information of any move towards you by way of the Somerset Road. I am &c.

Df, in Tench Tilghman’s writing, DLC:GW; Varick transcript, DLC:GW.

2This enclosure has not been identified.

3Sullivan in his letter to GW of 4 June, which has not been found, apparently requested permission to give Continental arms and ammunition to the militia. Alexander Hamilton replied to Sullivan on that date that GW “commands me to inform you, that though he is exceedingly happy when such an animation prevails among the inhabitants, yet, he can, by no means, consent to put arms in their hands. This article is too much wanted for the Continental Army to be spared to the Militia, and experience has taught us, that there has been infinite abuse and misapplication of the public arms when confided to them. As to ammunition, the General has no objection that a small quantity should be given them; provided it be lodged with their officers, who are to be accountable, for its being devoted to the uses intended” (DLC: Peter Force Collection).

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