From George Washington to William Shippen, Jr., 12 December 1777
To William Shippen, Jr.
Head Qrs [Pa.] Dec. 12: 1777.
Dr Sir
In answer to your Favor of to day, I cannot think Princeton under the present situation of affairs by any means a proper place for the sick. Should they remain there they would be liable to be taken. At the same time, I do not wish you to precipitate their removal in such a manner as to endanger them. In respect to the Hospitals at Easton & Bethelem, I also am of Opinion, that they should be removed. But these, as their situation is not so dangerous, may be deferred till the last.1 We must keep the Sick always in the Rear of the Army, or they will be subject to captivity. As to Colo. Nichola & his Corps I shall have no Objection to their being at the Hospitals, if there is no Resolution of Congress assigning them to other duty.2 Colo. Nichola will know if this is the case. I am Dr Sir Yr Most Obedt sert
G: Washington
Df, in Robert Hanson Harrison’s writing, DLC:GW; Varick transcript, DLC:GW. The draft is written on the back of a cover addressed to Harrison and contains his docket: “To Revd Mr Adam Boyd for 8 Carolina Regts.” Another docket was mutilated.
1. The Continental army hospital at Easton, Pa., closed on 27 Mar. 1778, and the hospital at Bethlehem closed the same spring.