George Washington Papers
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https://founders.archives.gov/documents/Washington/03-16-02-0143

From George Washington to Major General Lafayette, 22 July 1778

To Major General Lafayette

Head Qrs White plains 22d July 1778

Sir

You are to have the immediate command of that detatchment from this Army which consists of Glovers and Varnums Brigades and the detatchment under the command of Colo. Henry Jackson.1

You are to march them with all convenient expedition and by the best Routs to Providence in the State of Rhode Island—When there, you are to subject yourself to the orders of Major Genl Sullivan who will have the command of the expedition against Newport and the British and other troops in their pay on that and the Islands adjacent.

If on your march you should receive certain intelligence of the evacuation of Rhode Island by the enemy, you are immediately to countermarch for this place, giving me the earliest advice thereof.

Having the most perfect reliance on your activity and Zeal and wishing you all the success—honor and glory that your heart can wish—I am with the most perfect Regard Yrs

G.W:

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

1On this date GW sent letters to Brig. Gen. James Mitchell Varnum, Col. Henry Jackson, and the officer commanding Glover’s brigade (Col. Joseph Vose): “The Marquiss de la Fayette will command under the orders of Major General Sullivan, the detachment from this army consisting of Glovers & Varnums Brigades, and the detachment under the care of Colonel Henry Jackson—You are, consequently, to obey his orders” (LS, addressed to Jackson, MH: Dearborn Collection; ADfS, DLC:GW).

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