From George Washington to George Walton, 2 June 1777
To George Walton
Head Quarters Middle Brook 2d June 1777
Sir
I have the pleasure of yours of the 27th May by Colo. White. I think the answer which you gave him respecting his request for liberty to recruit a Regiment for Georgia, in the other States, at this time, was extremely proper,1 for experience shews us that the Quotas already allotted to them are full as much and I fear more than they will be able to furnish. At any Rate a recommendation2 of this kind would go very improperly3 from me, as it would be assuming a kind of right to levy men upon the States, which right is and ought to be solely vested in4 the Members of the different States in Congress. To them therefore I think he ought to apply for a recommendation for such liberty if it [is]5 thought expedient. I am Sir Yrs &c.
G. W——n
Df, in Tench Tilghman’s writing, DLC:GW; Varick transcript, DLC:GW.
1. At this place in the draft, the following text is struck out: “for it is evident from the difficulties that have attended the recruiting Service and the additional Bounties that almost every State has been obliged to pay If more Troops than are already raised in Georgia are necessary for its defence.”
2. At this place in the draft, Tilghman first wrote and then struck out the word “liberty.”
3. At this place in the draft, Tilghman first wrote the word “thro,” and he then struck it out.
4. At this place in the draft, Tilghman first wrote the word “Congress,” and he then struck it out.
5. This word appears in the Varick transcript.