From George Washington to Colonel Theunis Dey and Others of Bergen County, N.J., 26 June 1779
To Colonel Theunis Dey and Others
of Bergen County, N.J.
New Windsor June 26: 1779
Gentlemen
I have received your petition, upon the subject of Nathaniel Brackitt’s remaining where he is, to discipline a party of Horse.1 I should be very happy to promote a measure of the sort whenever in my power; but Serjeant Brackitt cannot be employed in the business at this time—nor can he be capable, if circumstances would admit, of rendering any material service. I am Gentlemen with respect Yr Most Obedt sert
G.W.
Df, in Robert Hanson Harrison’s writing, DLC:GW; Varick transcript, DLC:GW. The heading for this document is taken from the Varick transcript. The draft manuscript is docketed 27 June.
1. This petition, presumably addressed to GW, has not been found, but it probably requested help to train the “Militia light Horse” posted in Bergen County in accordance with a decision the New Jersey Privy Council made at its session held in Trenton on 19 May ( 115).
Nathaniel Brackett had enlisted in January 1777 in Capt. George Lewis’s troop of the 3d Continental Dragoon Regiment, which served in GW’s life guard from May 1777 to September 1778. Beginning as a private, he apparently advanced to sergeant some time after August 1777.