From George Washington to Colonel Theodorick Bland, 30 August 1777
To Colonel Theodorick Bland
Wilmington [Del.] 30th August, 1777.
Dear sir,
I received the letters directed to Colonel Rumsey, and Major Parker, and inclosed by you.1
Though I don’t entertain a doubt of a strict attention being paid to the directions given you, respecting a diligent and constant watch being kept on the motions of the enemy, yet such is the importance of our having early notice of their beginning to [move, that I must]2 repeat to you the necessity there is of keeping small guards and constant patrols, both of horse and foot, on the flanks and in front of the enemy, as near to them as prudence will permit, so that they cannot possibly move any way, without your having information of it. I shall expect to have immediate notice of every matter of importance which comes to your knowledge, and am your utmost obedient servant, &c.
, 1:63.
1. These letters have not been identified. Edward Parker, a manufacturer of linen and woolen goods who supplied tent cloth and clothing for Maryland troops during the early years of the war, was appointed first major of the Elk Battalion of the Cecil County militia by the Maryland convention on 6 Jan. 1776, and he was promoted to colonel of the militia in April 1778.
2. These square brackets appear in the printed text, probably indicating that the text within them was illegible or mutilated on the manuscript.