George Washington Papers
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To George Washington from Brigadier General Anthony Wayne, 30 May 1778

From Brigadier General Anthony Wayne

Mount Joy [Pa.] 30th May 1778

Dear General

I have not heard whether the Arrangement has yet taken place by which a light Corps was to be formed, your Excellency must have been well Convinced of the Utility as well as Indespensible necessity of such a Corps previous to your Recommendg it to Congress—the time is now arrived when that Corps will be wanted to act in the field—all I wish is to be made one of the Number.1

I have not often troubled your Excellency with a Requisition of this Nature, nor shou’d I at this time take the liberty—if I thought it would meet your Disaprobation—Altho’ I must Acknowledge that I should feel much easier in that Corps than in my present Situation.

but if your Excellency should not think proper to Indulge me I shall Endeavour to do my duty where I now am during the active part of the Campaign. Interim I am with every Sentiment of Esteem yours most Sincerely

Anty Wayne

ALS, PHi: Dreer Collection.

1GW suggested the formation of a “Corps of light troops” in his letter to a Continental Congress Camp Committee of 29 January. No such unit had taken shape by this time, but Wayne soon found the distraction he craved in the campaign leading to the Battle of Monmouth.

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