From George Washington to Captain William Scull, 5 June 1778
To Captain William Scull
Head Quarters Valley Forge 5th June 1778
Sir
William Erskine Esqr.1 who is appointed Military Surveyor and Geographer is now here, endeavouring to arrange that department—fix upon the proper number of Deputies—and settle their Pay, appointments &ca. To do this, he would wish to see and consult you. I therefore desire you to come down immediately upon the receipt of this. If the movement of the Enemy from Philada should oblige the Army to quit this ground before you arrive, I will leave directions for you. I imagine the Business, you are at present upon, cannot suffer by a temporary absence.2 I am Sir Your most obt Servt
Go: Washington
LS, in Tench Tilghman’s writing, in private hands; Df, DLC:GW; Varick transcript, DLC:GW. GW signed the cover of the LS, which Tilghman addressed “To Captain William Scull Surveying upon the Susquehannah.”
1. GW is referring to Robert Erskine, not William. Tilghman initially wrote “William” on the draft as well but later marked it out and replaced it with “Robert.”
2. For Scull’s “Business,” see Richard Peters to GW, 6 and 12 May; and GW to the Board of War, 9 May.